Student Services Bulletin

Volume 33, Issue 2

Student Services Bulletin

Inside this issue:

News & Notes from The School Counsel-ing Office

Senior Responsibilities & Military Academies The First Step: A 9th

Grade Program 4 Standardized Testing Information Night 5 National Merit

Scholars Wellness Day

From the Desk of Mr. G 10 College Write Ups 13 Koth’s Corner 17 October Calendar Dates

Northern Highlands Regional High School

October 2017

Semester Structure 2017—2018

Semester One Begins September 5, 2017

Genesis grade books will be open live on

this date and will remain open

October 10, 2017

Semester One Ends January 19, 2018

Semester Two Begins January 22, 2018

Semester Two Ends June 21, 2018

Don’t Forget Naviance!

Naviance/Family Connection is a program that allows students and parents

to keep track of the college application process, research colleges, compare

personal academic data with previous applicants from NHRHS, and much

more! In addition, students can use the resume feature, test prep and so

much more. The counselors will introduce all of the freshmen to the pro-

gram through the FLT classes and will continue to use the program with the

sophomores and juniors, as well. Contact your child’s counselor with any

questions. Naviance can be found: https://connection.naviance.com/family

-connection/auth/login/?hsid=nhrhs as well as through the link on the home

page.

Test Prep is available for both the SAT and ACT through

Naviance—please take advantage of this feature!

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IN ADMISSION TO A UNITED ACADEMY be nominated by

their of their United or the Vice r d of the United

*A to a for admission. Applications for a nomination available from to mid-October for the upcoming fall Contact Congress-man cott for deadline dates. for a of

1 of of to a Ø He or be at 17 old, but not have their 23rd birthday Ø Must be a United Ø Must be unmarried, not and no legal obligation to children or other dependents

Nominations will into an applicant’s record, extracurricular and ath-

letic activities, physical aptitude, and/or ability, and medical qualifications.

in a nomination should contact in the District Office at 973-300-2000 or e-mail in the of their junior in high school. your counselor for more informa

Attention Seniors ~ October Responsibilities

Review the Northern Highlands SENIOR PACKET for procedural details concerning the application process; fill out

required forms.

Consult NAVIANCE, which provides a description of how well former Highlanders have fared in the admissions pro-

cess.

If applicable, prepare to take either the SAT or SAT Subject Test in October or November, or the ACT in October.

October is best for those going ED or EA.

See the 2017 Edition of the College Handbook for information on items like: schools which feature LD programs,

schools known for certain majors and ED/EA deadlines by school.

If you have not done so already, narrow your list of colleges and include safe, realistic, as well as challenging op-

tions.

Apply early, and ask teachers for recommendations at least three weeks in advance of your application. Follow the

procedure outlined in the Senior Packet. Do not forget to send teachers a thank you note.

Have standardized test scores sent to the colleges to which you are applying. All colleges require an official score

report sent directly from the College Board at www.collegeboard.com or ACT at www.actstudent.org.

Refrain from submitting more than one application under an early decision plan, and, if admitted under such a

plan, comply with all institutional guidelines including those regarding the obligations to enroll; refrain from sub-

mitting subsequent applications.

If accepted Early Action, you have until May to make a decision.

Be the sole author of your applications and essays, and avoid inappropriate assistance from others.

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The First Step:

A 9th Grade Program

Thursday, October 12th at 7:00 PM

Please join us to learn more about the following topics:

The Role of a Counselor

The Student Handbook

Canvas

Genesis/Grades/ Transcripts

Graduation Requirements

Course Curriculum

PSAT/ASPIRE/SAT/ACT/Subject Tests

Getting Involved

Naviance

Students are encouraged to attend.

We look forward to seeing you on the12th!

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STANDARDIZED TESTING

INFORMATION NIGHT with SPECIFIX PREP

For 9th, 10th and 11th grade students and parents

Thursday, October 19th

7:00 PM

Hopkins Auditorium

Topics to be covered:

ASPIRE

PSAT

ACT

SAT

SAT Subject Tests

We hope to see you there!

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National Merit Scholarship Program

Commended Students

The following students have earned recognition from the 2018 National Merit Program for their achieve-

ment on the 2016 PSAT taken in their Junior year.

Evan Casalino Abby Holden

Grace Huang Isabella Kalarickal

Sean Kim Dawn Lu

Jeremy Paton Hrithika Ravuri

Zhin Rhee Riccardo Santoni

Christine Shea Kaitlyn Simpson

Kelly Van Orden

Congratulations on your Achievement!

National Merit Scholarship Program

Semifinalists

The following students have earned recognition from the 2018 National Merit Program for their achieve-

ment on the 2016 PSAT taken in their Junior year.

Catherine Lenihan

Armaan Tobaccowalla

Congratulations on your Achievement!

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Student Assistance Counselor

Join A Club!

High School is difficult for everyone whether you want to admit it or not. You are going through an awkward time and

you may either fit in right away, or feel like a complete outcast. Teachers and parents seem like they are constantly

getting on your back about the smallest things, and you may feel like you have no one to go and talk to. But no matter

how well you may fit in (or not), joining a club, sport, or any after school activity extra-curricular will be beneficial to

you short term and long term.

Here is why joining a club is beneficial.

1. Meeting New People.

This one may seem really obvious but joining after school activities is a great way to meet new people, especially if you

are new to the school. Joining a club forces you to interact with peers that have similar interests as you! Even if you are

the most introverted person, you are destined to develop a relationship with at least one person in the club that you

decide to join. From personal experiences, I have met some of my best friends from my extra-curricular activities and

had many new doors open up to me.

2. College Applications.

Another really nice things about doing extra-curricular activities is that they look really good on college essays/

applications. Going and trying new things is something that looks real well on any application. Being known as outgoing

is a very highly looked at trait; it shows that you are willing to put yourself out there, be determined, and best of all try

new things. Another nice thing is that (depending on the activity) they could help you develop skills that you could use

during a college interview.

3. Good Use of Your time.

Productivity is something that teens seem to constantly have a problem with. Most teens go to school, then come

home and spend the rest of the day in front of the television or phone, but activities prohibit this. Teens are also very

impressionable and if they fall into the wrong crowd they could fall into consequences such as drug use, or other prob-

lems with the law. Clubs are a great way to spend time and a good place with good people to fall back on if you need it.

4. Long Term Benefits.

Maybe the most important reason in why you should join a club is the long term benefits they bring. The classroom

isn't the only learning environment in a school, the skills you learn in clubs are essential skills that can apply to every-

day life. Things such as meeting and speaking to new people, keeping an eye on time, and being organized are things

you will use every single day of your lives. You will use these skills in different settings, but whether you realize it or

not, they will all trace back to the moments and skills you learned in your high school club.

Source: The Odyssey Online

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Ms. Peterfriend had the opportunity to visit a few Boston area schools while attending the National Associa-tion for College Admission Counseling's (NACAC) National Conference in September. The next few pages contain information about the six campuses.

Brandeis University

Located in Waltham, a suburb of Boston, Brandeis was established as a nonsectarian university with a founding principal of being open and welcoming to students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds and be-liefs. Strong core values that permeate the campus center around a reverence for learning, and emphasis on critical thinking and a commitment to making the world a better place. A statement that resonated was that Brandeis hopes to empower the students to impact society.

The campus had a nice sense of community. The 235 acre campus was buzzing with students throughout our tour, and it was 8:30 AM. Students are not only academically focused but have passion for community service and doing for others. It was obvious that Brandeis was a diverse campus filled with vari-ous cultures, personalities and perspectives.

Proud of the 10:1 student to faculty ratio, Brandeis students often double major and add a minor be-fore graduating. In terms of admissions, Brandeis is somewhat selective and has a 34% acceptance rate. As a private research university, Brandeis has a strong liberal arts focus. On the smaller side, the campus has a true sense of warmth and is worth the visit!

Bentley University

Business is everywhere at Bentley University. But strongly infused into the curriculum is the richness of a liberal arts education. Students leave Bentley with experience and knowledge that makes them ex-tremely successful in their chosen field. All this is set on a beautiful campus in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Modern, state of the art facilities lead 93% of the student body to internships, many getting their first choice. Students get hands on exposure with the campuses own on campus stock exchange. Students are surrounded by opportunity on this beautiful campus.

Not only are the students academically focused, but with over 100 clubs and organizations, there is plenty of time for fun. Involvement in these organizations is not only enjoyable, but it provides leadership and networking opportunities.

What I loved most about this campus and school was the excitement you could not only see, but hear from the students. Every student I spoke to during my time on campus was genuinely happy to be a part of the Bentley family. That says a great deal about a school. This is a terrific place for any student look-ing to make a difference in the world of business.

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Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world, creating a distinctive approach to education and research. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Experiential learning, anchored by the schools signature cooperative education program, lies at the heart of academic life at Northeastern. The cooperative education model allows students to put ideas into action through work, research, international study, and service in 93 countries around the world.

During my tour of campus, you could sense the comradery amongst the student body. It was mid-day and kids were sitting all over the quad having lunch and just hanging out. There were clubs setting up for some of the fall traditions including: welcome week and the fall festival.

Community service, Greek life, social justice, employment and leadership are all opportunities that Northeastern students have on campus. In the heart of Boston, students can also walk to famed Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts and the shops on Newbury Street. Northeastern is the whole package: aca-demics, social and real world experience.

Boston University

With over 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 130 countries, nearly 10,000 faculty and staff, 17 schools and colleges, and 250 fields of study, this campus is always humming. Set in the heart of the city along the Charles River, Boston University offers students access to all the city has to offer.

Boston University is a major research institution seeking knowledge and creating breakthroughs in everything from African studies to zebrafish genetics. BU spearheads discovery, advances, and invention across all disciplines. Research is a large part of the curriculum and all undergrads will take part in research at some point during their academic career.

The campus is extremely diverse: a swirl of languages, faces and religions, and over 500 student clubs. All of this was obvious just by taking a few steps along the campus. With a competitive admission criteria, students looking to attend a diverse, city campus would love Boston University.

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Harvard University

Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. With an enduring dedication to the pursuit of excellence, Harvard University offers unparalleled stu-dent experiences across a broad spectrum of academic environments.

Harvard University has 12 degree-granting schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. The University has grown from nine students with a single master to an enrollment of more than 20,000 degree candidates including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

The Harvard student experience is characterized by unlimited possibilities. Opportunities abound in-side the classroom and out, with over 8,000 courses from over 100 departments and countless research pro-grams. Undergraduate students have access to almost every extracurricular program imaginable and the largest Division 1 Athletics Program in the country.

As one of the most competitive schools, Harvard’s campus provides a beautiful campus for academic excellence set in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At its founding in 1861, MIT was an educational innovation, a community of hands-on problem solv-ers in love with fundamental science and eager to make the world a better place. Today, that spirit still guides how students are educated on campus. New digital learning technologies make MIT teaching acces-sible to millions of learners around the world. MIT is an independent, coeducational, privately endowed university, organized into five Schools (architecture and planning; engineering; humanities, arts, and social sciences; management; and science).

MIT is a world-class educational institution. Teaching and research—with relevance to the practical world and transforming society for the better as guiding principles—continue to be its primary purpose.

MIT offers 48 undergraduate major and 56 minor programs. MIT’s General Institute Require-ments ensure that all students are broadly educated in the physical, natural, and social sciences, and in the humanities and arts. What I found fascinating, was that the first semester at MIT is graded on a pass/no rec-ord basis; meaning that all students do not receive grades. The goal is to teach students to work together towards the broader picture and not focus on the end result.

MIT believes the best education occurs when students are self-motivated and engaged participants in a dynamic community of learners. Thus, an MIT undergraduate education combines rigorous academics with a “learning-by-doing” approach. I was so impressed with all I learned about this beautiful campus set on the banks of the Charles River (across from Boston University).

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From the desk of the Assistant Principal

Week of Respect & Cyberbullying Awareness

The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (P.L.2010, c.122) requires that the week beginning with the first Monday in October (October 2-6, 2017) be designated as a “Week of Respect” in New Jersey. School districts across the state are required to observe the week in order to recognize the importance of character education.

In recognition of this week, Northern Highlands is conducting a student assembly and subsequent workshops with Mr. Michael Fosberg. Mr. Fosberg is an acclaimed playwright and actor, perform his one-man play, Incognito, his personal story of self-discovery. Mr. Fosberg takes us along this journey to uncover his roots, his family, and the difficult history behind the complex topic of race in America. This program hits at the heart of diversity, acceptance and tolerance and is sure to touch many.

We also wish to take this opportunity to share with parents advice on how to handle situations in which children may mis-use technology. In this digital age where electronic devices are abundant and internet access readily accessible, cyber har-assment and/or cyberbullying can rear its ugly head. When it does, it’s important to know the options one can exercise in the event a parent should suspect this is taking place. Upon learning of something like this, parents may consider the fol-lowing steps to help guide children in the appropriate use of technology:

report any and all suspected cases of cyberbullying to our Anti-Bullying Specialist, Ms. Kelly Peterfriend, speak with your child about appropriate use of the internet, monitor your child’s use of social media, either by creating/using an account of your own to friend them or through

other means, in extreme cases, impose limits on their child’s data plan, eliminate it all together, or take away your child’s electronic

device. In addition, please feel free to review these resources from Common Sense Media which addresses other Frequently Asked Questions with respect to cyberbullying.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/cell-phone-parenting/age/teens

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying/age/teens

School Violence Awareness Week

In addition, schools are also mandated to recognize School Violence Awareness Week, also known as Red Ribbon Week,

every third week in October (October 16-20, 2017). To commemorate this week all freshman will attend a program on

substance abuse awareness conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office as a part of their Heroin Education Initia-

tive. They will also receive an Anti-Violence Awareness pamphlet. Information on how to prevent school violence will also

be posted to our website for students and parents to access, and lastly click on the link below to learn of the impact mass

media can have on children in the pamphlet, “Media Violence and Youth.”

We find that all information distributed will educate our school community on the causes of school violence, how to rec-

ognize potential warning signs, and most importantly steps that one can take to prevent violence from ever taking place.

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Northern Highlands HIB Confidential Hotline

Also in line with the Week of Respect, we also recognize that there are many who are subject to physical

and mental torment but do not have the strength to come forward. For those who feel uncomfortable be-

ing identified but still feel the need to report suspected acts of bullying toward you or someone else, please

call:

Northern Highlands

HIB Confidential Hotline

(201) 327-8700, ext. 333.

We have learned that often times victims of bullying fear retribution for reporting an ongoing situation at

school. Be advised you may use this as an anonymous means of reporting any suspected acts of Harass-

ment, Intimidation and Bullying, essentially removing that fear from the equation. Whatever information

you share will remain strictly confidential and you will remain anonymous. This extension is checked twice

every school day, so feel free to call at any time.

To help promote this as a means of reporting, we have solicited the help of our Graphic Design and Mar-

keting students to embark upon a public service campaign. These posters will be displayed digitally

through Canvas and our school website, as well as posted throughout the school. Thank you to our teach-

ers and students for your continued contributions to making Northern Highlands a safer place.

In all, the Confidential Hotline is a means to help us maintain the positive school climate we have all worked

very hard to establish. Again, if you find something or someone to be a threat or not meeting the expecta-

tions set by our school community, please make a report. Thank you.

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Reminder: Acknowledge Terms of Student/Parent Handbook in Genesis

As you may know, at the start of each school year we ask that parents take time to review our Student/Parent Handbook so you are aware of our school policies, procedures, and expectations. Topics include, but are not limited to: student attendance matters, behavioral expectations, academic integrity, acceptable use of technology, harassment, intimidation & bullying policies, and athletic code of conduct, etc. According to our records to date, not all families have completed this task. For those who have yet to do this, please follow the attached instructions on how to sign off on the handbook electronically. Be sure to do so at your earliest convenience. As always, feel free to contact Mr. Koth at ext. 501 in the event you have any questions. Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Student/Parent Handbook Sign Off Instructions

All Parents - Log onto Genesis Parent Access

1. Go to http://parent.northernhighlands.org

2. Enter Username (Your personal email address)

a. Please be reminded that the login is the email address you submitted to Northern

Highlands

3. Enter Password

a. If you do not know your password, please have it reset by clicking on “Forgot my

Password” and follow the prompts.

4. Once logged in, check off the “Toggle” box that acknowledges the Student Handbook sign off

located on the left of the screen below the student picture.

A green check indicates you have successfully acknowledged the handbook.

5. Logout.

THANK YOU!

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October Calendar Dates

October 5 Registration Deadline for November 4 SAT and Subject Tests

October 6 Registration Deadline for October 28 AC T

October 7 SAT 1 and Subject Testing

October 9 No School—Columbus Day

October 12 The First Step—A 9th Grade Program

October 14 PSAT Testing (10th and 11th graders only)

October 19 Standardized Testing Information Night

October 25 Late Registration Deadline for November 4 SAT and Subject Tests

October 28 ACT Testing

Early November Calendar Dates

November 2 College Night for Juniors

November 2 Registration Deadline for December 2 SAT and Subject Tests

November 3 Registration Deadline for December 9 ACT

November 4 SAT 1 and Subject Testing