High School North Weekly Newsletter

All WW-P schools will be closed Thursday, Nov. 9, and Friday, Nov. 10. Due to the shortened week, there will not be a Nov. 10 newsletter. The next newsletter will be sent Nov. 17.

PTSA

Good afternoon HSN Knights Families,

• TONIGHT – BE SURE YOU DON’T MISS THIS: Parents KNIGHT Out, TONIGHT, Friday, Nov. 3, starting at 5 p.m.
  • Connect with other parents.
  • Adults only. 
  • GET your tickets NOW or at the door.
• This Tuesday: Our First Guidance Round table – Nov. 7, 9–10 a.m. at HSN Media Center: We are so happy that the Guidance Round Table is going to be in-person again. Come out and meet the guidance counselors. All parents are invited but still need to register.
  • Please register for the meeting here. Please submit any questions you would like the counselors to address on the registration form.
• HSN PTSA again is participating in this year’s Reflections program. Please remind your children about reflection. This year Theme is “I am hopeful because…….”  Have your children show off their talents in one of the many areas listed below. Deadline is coming fast! 
  • Please complete the entry form: HSN Reflections Entry Form 2023 
  • Here is the  Reflections 2023 flier of the National PTA Reflections program for the school year of 2023-2024. 
  • For further information on this program, please visit the National Reflections website: Reflections Arts Program | National PTA
  • Students will submit their completed works of art (Deadline: Dec. 1, 2023)  in one or all of the available arts categories: 
    • Dance Choreography
    • Film Production
    • Literature
    • Music Composition
    • Photography
    • Visual Arts
  • Only PTSA Members can participate. Please join by clicking here. It is only $7.
  • Please contact hsnptsareflections@gmail.com for further information.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• PTSA HSN and HSS Joint event: The Math and Language Arts supervisors will be presenting at HS South Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. This is a joint event between HS North and HS South. Please register for the meeting here. You can also address any questions to our Math and Language Supervisors on the registration form. 
• HSN PTSA Reflections program – submission deadline Dec. 1, 2023

SENIOR CELEBRATIONS:

• 3 GREAT SEASONAL Senior Celebrations Fundraisers:
  • Winter decorations: poinsettias & wreaths. 
    • Bring winter joy to your home or give as a gift.
    • Delivery will be EARLY and super EASY at HSN on Friday, Dec. 1.
  • Thank You Doughnuts: Send local-made, delicious apple cider cinnamon sugar doughnuts as a THANK YOU to WW-P teachers and/or staff. **Perfect for a small thank you gift for those college recs… and support the Class of 2024 Senior Celebrations! Doughnuts will be delivered to teachers/staff by Senior Celebrations volunteers.
  • Thanksgiving Pies: Add something delicious to your Thanksgiving table, take to a friend or family member, or enjoy yourself… Get some local-made, delicious Thanksgiving pies and support the Class of 2024 Senior Celebrations! Pickup from HSN Sun., Nov. 19, 10 am – 11 am.
• SAVE THE DATE for the annual Designer Handbag Bingo to benefit Senior Celebrations: Sunday, March 3, 2024. Details to come.
• Autumn Clean-out Drive going on! What a great time for an autumn cleanout! Help raise funds for the Class of 2024 Senior Celebrations by cleaning out your closets, kitchen, attic, garage, and basement. Please place your gently used/unwanted items in tightly tied bags and/or boxes labeled with WW-P HS NORTH. Please drop off your donation at AMERITEX 39 Everett Drive West Windsor. Every bag counts! The more our collection weighs, the more we raise.
• Help plan, implement and fundraise the Senior Celebrations for our seniors. Be on the lookout for emails to families of seniors throughout the year to keep you updated on news for the seniors and about the committee’s efforts, as well as volunteer opportunities.
• Please LIKE OUR SENIOR CELEBRATIONS FACEBOOK PAGE.
• Questions? Email hsnptsaseniors@gmail.com.

Fundraiser / Membership / Contact us

• The HSN PTSA is here as always to plan, coordinate and fund programs and activities for HSN students, parents, teachers and staff. Together we are a powerful resource for our school! Be a part of this important organization. Please consider joining and donating; it will take just a few clicks.
• McCaffery’s West Windsor generously donates a percentage to HSN PTSA of the total receipts we collect and submit. So, please be sure to say “Yes” when asked if you want a receipt and then send the receipts to the HSN front office. Receipts expire in three (3) months, remember to submit your receipt every month. 
• Ways to connect: Have any ideas, want to volunteer but don’t know how to begin etc. please email us at hsnptsa@gmail.com

Sincerely,

HSN PTSA Executive Board

Salena, Deepak, Annie, Andria, Uma, Ashish and Sejal

• SEPTSA Membership: Our PTSA exists to support students and families of students with IEPs and 504 plans. Please join SEPTSA to be added to our mailing list and to hear about upcoming events and speakers! Membership is available to all parents and families, older students (6th grade and above), and faculty and staff who support students with special needs. For clarification, registering with your child’s school PTA/PTSA or having your child classified or “registered” with Special Services is not the same as registering for SEPTSA membership. There are volunteer opportunities for our members ranging from just one hour total to one hour per month. Go to www.wwp-septsa.org for more information about SEPTSA and/or contact Kathleen at kkz4@verizon.net if you’re interested in sharing your time and skills with SEPTSA.
• WhatsApp for Special Ed Families: Join us on WhatsApp to connect with other WW-P families of special education students Connect with WWP special ed parents.

Links: SEPTSA Facebook Page | SEPTSA Website

DISTRICT

Links: WW-P Website | Academic Calendars | Events Calendar

Reminders

• WW-P Schools are closed Thursday, Nov. 9, and Friday, Nov. 10, 2023: Please click here for the 2023-2024 school year calendar.
• New Form in Genesis: Effective Nov. 6, 2023, after 3 p.m., all WW-P parents/guardians will be prompted to complete a new form in Genesis Parent Portal acknowledging updates from Google Workspace for Education.
  • Families with multiple children must submit a form for each child.
  • Parent/guardian access to Genesis will be limited until the new form is acknowledged for their child(ren).
• WW-P celebrates American Education Week Nov. 13-17: American Education Week promotes collaboration between parents/guardians/caregivers and educators/staff members. Elementary and middle school families will be receiving information from their teacher and/or school regarding the opportunity to get a glimpse into their child’s typical school day.
• WW-P Plans for Future Growth: Click here for more information on the District’s purchase of local farmland on the West Windsor and Plainsboro border.
• Title 1 Information: Title 1 is a federal program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). The following WW-P schools receive Title 1 funding for the 2023-24 school year: Dutch Neck Elementary School, Maurice Hawk Elementary School, Town Center Elementary School, Wicoff Elementary School, Millstone River School, Village School and High School South. Parent information about Title 1 in our schools can be found on our District website.
• District Newsletter: Click here to read the Back to School 2023 District newsletter.
• Student Handbook and Policy/Regulation Updates: District policies and regulations are updated on an as needed basis. The following policies and regulations have recently been updated: Policy 5600/ Regulation 5600 (Code of Conduct), Policy 5200/Regulation 5200 (Attendance) and Policy 5512/Regulation 5512 (HIB). In response, Student Handbooks have been updated accordingly. The recently updated policies and regulations can be accessed as follows:
  • Policy 5200: Attendance
  • Regulation 5200: Attendance
  • Policy Updates (2023): Policy/Regulation 5200 
  • Policy 5512: Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying  
  • Regulation 5512: Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying
  • Policy Updates (2023): Policy/Regulation 5512
  • Policy 5600: Code of Conduct
  • Regulation 5600: Code of Conduct
  • Policy Updates (2023): Policy/Regulation 5600
• Early Dismissal Requests for Students: Parents/guardians notifying school attendance office/school secretary of a student early dismissal can be done via TeleSafe, a note in the “Daily Attendance” tab in Genesis Parent Portal or by emailing/sending a note to your school’s attendance secretary. 
• Staff Email Addresses: Staff email addresses use the following pattern firstname.lastname@wwprsd.org (e.g., Jim Smith is jim.smith@wwprsd.org). 
• Contact Information: Is your contact information up-to-date in Genesis? If your email or phone numbers have changed, please make sure to update your information in Genesis. 
  • Interested in receiving SMS text notifications from the District?: If you would like to opt-in to receive SMS text messages from the District, please text “Yes” to “67587” from a cellphone that is listed in your contact information in Genesis. The cell phone must be listed in Genesis as a cell phone (not as a home phone number). Text messaging rates may apply. For additional details, please click here.
• WW-P Mobile Application: The WW-P app is now available for download on both the Apple and Google Play app store. Designed for the school community, it features convenient links and information all in one place. Download the app using the hyperlinks above or by searching “WW-P Schools” in the Google Play Store or App Store on Apple.
• Substitutes: Are you interested in being a substitute at WW-P? Please click here to apply.
• Around the District News
  • WW-P United Hockey Team invites all future hockey players, family, and friends to join them at a “WW-P Hockey Night” as the NJ Devils take on the Washington Capitals at the Prudential Center, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 at 7 p.m.
    • Tickets are $55 each (section 225) and can be purchased by emailing WW-P Hockey head coach, Andy Borowsky at Andy.Borowsky@wwprsd.org by Wednesday, Nov. 8.
    • All WW-P 6th-12th grade hockey players who have purchased a ticket for the game will have the opportunity to be escorted to the High Five Tunnel and the bench during pre-game warm ups. Players in grades 6-12 who would like to participate must arrive at The Prudential Center no later than 5:45 p.m.
    • Transportation is not provided.
  • The HSN/HSS Prom Shop will be accepting donations from Nov. 13-17, 2023, during school hours (7:40 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.) in the High School North (90 Grovers Mill Rd., Plainsboro) security corridor. There will be wardrobe racks where donations can be left.
    • Items being accepted: Dresses, suits (in sizes appropriate for 16-18 year olds), slightly used shoes (men’s and women’s), ties, jewelry, purses, reusable shopping bags, dry cleaning bags, hangers.
      • Please make sure each donation is washed/dry cleaned and in great condition.
    • The Prom Shop will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. -2 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of Central Offices (321 Village Rd. East, West Windsor). Snow date is Jan. 27, 2024.
      • Junior and senior WW-P students will need to bring their student ID to shop. Each student may take one full outfit. All items are first come, first serve.
    • Questions: Please contact Tracy Zarodnansky at tracy.zarodnansky@wwprsd.org.
  • Mercer County Council of PTAs Announces National Reflections Program: This 50+ year-old-program helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas through the arts. Additional information regarding the Program and the Reflections contact for each WW-P school PTA, can be found here.
    • Please note that the Village and GMS school contact information has been updated from the previous link.

Monthly Update from the Superintendent

• A Monthly Update from Dr. Aderhold will be sent the last Friday of each month.
  • The next Update will be sent Nov. 17, 2023.

Health and Safety

• Please note that for the safety of our school community, it is important that if your child is isolating due to a COVID positive diagnosis that they may not attend school or school events until their quarantine/isolation period has officially ended.
  • Please click here for the District’s COVID guidance for the 2023-2024 school year.

Athletics

• WW-P will continue to utilize online ticket purchase procedures for United Football and HSN and HSS basketball games and wrestling matches for the 2023-2024 school year. All spectators must pre-purchase their tickets to the game through the TicketSpicket Mobile Application or through the TicketSpicket website. Season passes are available as are tickets for individual games. 
  • United Football Tickets
  • High School North Tickets
  • High School South Tickets

Counseling 

• Parent University Events
  • “Healing from Tragedy”: Please click here to review the recording of and materials from the Oct. 18, 2023, George Scott, Ed.S. (Traumatic Loss Coalition) presentation “Healing from Tragedy”.
  • To view materials from previous Parent University presentations, please click here.
• Senior College Planning Nights for seniors and parents/guardians of seniors were held in September. Please click here to view the presentations and the recording from the Class of 2024 Senior College Planning Night.

Curriculum and Instruction

• New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects are required by statute (N.J.S.A 18A: 7C-6.6) to annually notify parents/guardians of the scheduled standardized assessments that will be administered over the course of the school year. 
  • Please click here for the state assessments schedule for the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Helpful resources for parents/guardians may be found at the New Jersey Assessments Resource Center website.

Community Education

• Adult Programs are available. Check out page 10 in the fall program guide for more information here!
• NEW! American Red Cross Lifeguard Training is now registering participants. Students must be present for all hours of the course. 
  • Pre-Requisite Skills: Candidates must be 15; be able to swim 300 meters; retrieve a brick from a depth of approximately 8 feet; tread water for 2 minutes without using arms.
  • Class dates are: Thursday, Nov. 9 (8 a.m. -6 p.m.) and Friday, Nov. 10 (8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
  • Check out the Lifeguard Certification flier here! 
  • Register under the 2023 Fall Adult & Youth heading in Community Pass.
• Employment Opportunities: The Extended Day Program (EDP) is looking to fill open positions in the West Windsor schools.
  • Apply online here (in the search box, type EDP to filter).
  • Open positions include:
    • Full-time Site Supervisor (split shift, full-time, benefits)
    • Full-time Group Leader (split shift, full-time, benefits)
    • Morning EDP Group Leader (7-8:45 a.m.)
    • Afternoon EDP Group Leaders and Assistant Group Leaders (3-6/6:30 p.m.)

​​​​​Food Services

• Check out the Sodexo menus and newsletter by clicking here.
• WW-P Food Services is excited to offer a breakfast program at the elementary school level.
  • Breakfast is available for order each week via a pre-order form sent to parents’ emails on Monday morning. Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. Wednesday for the coming week. 
  • Families should check their email for more information and the order form link.
• PaySchools Central is the food service online system, click here for directions for creating an account and adding funds to the account.
  • Need to set limits and/or restrict food purchases for your student account? Click here for a “How to” guide.
• The application for free and reduced price school meals, which also opens up other food benefits for families, is available for completion for the 2023-24 school year in your PaySchools Central account or may be downloaded from the District website. Benefits for 2022-2023 school year recipients expired Oct. 20, 2023. Families must submit a new application for the 2023-24 school year.
  • In addition, NJ recently expanded the income eligibility requirements. Even if families have not qualified in the past, your child may qualify for no-cost meals through the Working-Class Families Anti-Hunger Act by completing the Free and Reduced Lunch Application.

• Sodexo Food Services Want to Hear from You: Parents/guardians and middle/high school students are invited to take a few minutes to provide feedback about school meals using the link that follows. The short Sodexo Food Services survey closes Nov. 17, 2023. Sodexo thanks you in advance for your participation

  • Survey Link: https://imo.cx/UJwVVITr

Special Services

• SSI and Medicaid Parent Training Program will be held Monday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. at Community Middle School (95 Grovers Mill Rd., Plainsboro). This presentation is geared toward Autism/MD families with children ages middle school through post-grad. The presentation will provide the basics on understanding SSI and Medicaid as families plan for adult services. Dinner will be provided and inclusive sports in the gym for students during the presentation for parents/guardians. Please click here for more information and to RSVP. Please RSVP by Nov. 10.

Technology

• District issued Chromebooks for students in grades kindergarten through grade 3 are kept in the classroom.
• District issued Chromebooks for students in grades 4-12 are for students to use both in school and to take home.
  • Students should bring their fully charged Chromebooks to school with them each day.
  • Charging cords should remain at home.
• Technology Help Desk Access for students reporting Chromebook issues.
  • Students in grades K-8 should report the technology issue to their teacher so that a ticket can be submitted on their behalf.
  • Students in grades 9-12 should use the ticket kiosk in the media center to submit any technology issue. Students MUST include their wwprsd.org email in the ticket description in order for technology staff to contact them to repair the issue.

District Communication 

• WW-P uses SchoolMessenger as our district communication tool. It is important to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in Genesis. 
• The WW-P mobile application is now available for download on both the Apple and Google Play app store. Designed for the school community, the app features convenient links and information all in one place (e.g., events calendar, District notifications, news, and more). Download the app using the hyperlinks above or by searching “WW-P Schools” in the Google Play Store or App Store on Apple.

Community Events

• Teens’ Working Papers: Teens looking to obtain working papers may do so online. For more information, please visit: myworkingpapers.nj.gov. 
• The Mercer County Library is offering free, virtual, adult ESL conversation groups. The group will meet virtually Nov. 14, 21, and 28 at 10 a.m. Please click here for more information and to register.
• Study Buddy Program at West Windsor Library: The Study Buddy Tutoring Program at the West Windsor Branch has returned! This program pairs teen volunteers with students seeking tutoring, and it’s entirely free. It operates throughout the school year, with Study Buddies meeting for 30-45 minutes once a week at the library, supervised by our youth department staff.
  • To apply, students can pick up a Study Buddy application at the West Windsor Library’s youth desk. The library matches students with teen tutors upon application submission, and enrollment is ongoing.
  • Please click here for more info.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Information: Please visit the West Windsor Health Department and the Mercer County Health Department for information as new vaccination/booster opportunities become available. Information regarding booster eligibility can be found here. 
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Basics is a six session education program for parents, caregivers, and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The program is available both in person and online. For more information about the program and to register, please click here.
• Click here for more upcoming events and activities from community groups and organizations.

WW-P Board of Education

• Check out the upcoming Board of Education Meeting dates. Agenda and materials for Board Meetings are published after 3:30 p.m. the Friday prior to the meeting. 
• Board of Education meetings are held in the multipurpose room at Central Office, 321 Village Road East, West Windsor, NJ. The meetings are also live streamed via the District’s YouTube channel.

Follow the district on WW-P’s official social media pages. 

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