End of The 2008-2009 YEAR Parent Newsletter

 

A Raisin in The Sun Performance

 

On May 30, 2009 history was made at North 13th Street Tech. The first school play in over twenty years took place - "A Raisin in the Sun". Greeted by a crowd of over 300 spectators, cast members put on a stirring performance of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play.

 

Produced and coordinated by drama club advisor and Visual and Performing arts teacher Brenda Pepper as well as English teacher John DeRosa, the play had authentic furniture, props and a full length student cast that had been rehearsing for months. Lighting and costume specialists had also been brought in to give the play an authentic look and feel. Mrs. Patricia Clark-Jeter, Principal of North 13th Street, has been fully supportive of the initiative from the beginning and is in high spirits over the collaborative works, and the many resources in the school that were being fully utilized for such a historic event.

 

Starring in the play was various North 13th Street juniors and seniors. The lead role of Walter Lee Younger was played by Jaleel Richwood, an aspiring performing arts and music star. Ruth Younger was played by junior Ann Marie Wallace, Beneatha played by junior Tamala Doris, Lamont Wright starred as Joseph Asagai, senior Jason Stevenson played George, the villainous Karl Linder was brilliantly played by Senior Ariel Alvarez, and Mama was played by senior, Bernecia Green.

 

 

History Making Softball Season

 

 

The North 13th Street Tech Lady Cougar Softball team had an outstanding 2009 season with multiple accomplishments. After training at Disney World of Sports in Orlando Florida, the team achieved an outstanding 2009 record of 19 Wins and only 5 losses.

 

The team advanced in the state tournament for the first time in many years making it to round two and being ranked #3 in the state (Group II Division). Also the team ranked #3 in the state for vocational school teams.

 

In the all important NJTIL (North Jersey Technical Interscholastic League) the Lady Cougars showed total domination. For the first time in many years Sussex Tech was handed their first loss by the Lady Cougars in many years in an 8 inning thriller. Most other games in this league were not even close with the Lady Cougars destroying Bloomfield Tech, Newark Tech, Somerset Tech and Warren Tech twice each time. The Lady Cougars finished with the second best record in the league behind only Morris Tech.

 

Rookie Catcher Amanda Cruz was awarded the 'Rookie of the Year' Trophy as a freshman who racked up over 50 RBI's this season alone. Pitcher Anabelle Barinas proved dominance on the mound with only 1 loss to her name all season and then orudly earned the 'Most Improved Player' Award.

 

The ultimate and prestigious seasonal award of MVP (Most Valuable Player) was given to Junior Angie Pacheco. A National Honors Society Student, Pacheco consistently makes the school honor roll and leads by example. Playing shortstop this year Pacheco had only 2 errors on the season and made incredible defensive plays. Her strikeout total was lowest on the team and her batting average was over .400. Pacheco is a scholar athlete with morals and standards that define her and helped lift the Lady Cougars to new heights this season.

 

 

Robotics Summary

 

During this first year of robotics, the team found great success. From designing and building a 120 pound robot to writing a computer program that made it come to life, to finishing in the top four at the Jacobs Center in new York City, we have certainly learned a lot and grew as a team. It is with these newly developed skills and confidence that we look forward to next year, when we hope to expand the team, participate in additional competitions, and help our seniors to apply for scholarships through the robotics program that total $9.8 million dollars! Finally, Mr. Ziobro and I would like to thank all of our colleagues who have shown their support through encouraging words, a helping hand, and those who came out to the competition. See you next year!

 

 

Rev. Dr. Milton Holmes was a Tuskegee Airmen and is a retired minister for the African Methodist Episcopal Church - New Jersey Annual Conference.  Rev. Holmes came and spoke to the US II History Class of Mr. Pablo Rodriguez and Ms. Terrilisa Durham Bauknight.  In addition to speaking to the students about his experience as an Tuskegee Airman; he also discussed the Baltimore Riots in comparison to the events of the Newark Riots which the students had recently studied (including a tour of various sites in Newark).  Rev. Dr. Holmes also shared his recent experience of being part of the Inauguration Events of President Obama on 20 June 2009 and the plaque that he received.  Dr. Michael Zelkowitz, Supervisor and Vice-Principal Chetram Singh were also in attendance at the presentation. 

The Student Council of N. 13th Street ended the 2008-2009 School Year with several activities.  In April they volunteered for the Susan G. Khoeman Foundation at Branch Brook Park. Member helped at the various service booths and passed out water to the many walkers and runners who participated.  In addition, the group raised funds for the foundation by selling pink ribbons for a Denim Day.                   

Annual Ghost Out.  This event is sponsored by the Student Council and involves some 50 plus staff members and students here at N. 13th Street.  The goal of this activity is to bring awareness to N. 13th Street Community of the affects of drunk driving.  Participants were chosen from classes, offices and the like to be victims of a drunken driving accident and therefore were declared ‘dead for the day.’  They could only provide necessary information and or instruction or in several cases had assignments provided that included student and staff response to their knowing that this individual was dead.  A special assembly was provided for the seniors who would be attending the Prom to help them gain better insight into the fact that the upcoming event of the prom felon the highest incident weekend of the year.   

For the third year, staff members had the opportunity to recognize students.  Students were awarded certificates of recognition for Highest Grade Point Average; Most Improved, perfect Attendance or Least Absence and Most Helpful to Other Students/Leadership.  Student Council provided the certificates and with the staff’s input and Mrs. Riccadi’s printing assistance, provided some 200 certificates to students in all four grade levels.  In addition, the following staff members were acknowledged for Character Education:  Mr. Murray, Ms. Pallis, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Smith, Ms. Davis, Ms. Riccardi, Mr. Rojas, Mr. Rubiano, Ms. Ballance, Ms. Graziano, Mr. Rodriguez, Ms. Fries, Mr. Giles, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Gabriel, Ms. Torrie, Ms. Wojcik Mrs. Jeter and several members at Central Office.

Elections for Student Council Grade Level Officers were held before the close of the 2008-09 academic year for rising students Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Classes.  Incoming Freshman will vote in mid-September.  Officers will have a few weeks to relax and then begin working with their advisor to plan activities, programs, events and fundraisers for the upcoming 2009-2010 School Year.  The Officers are as follows:  Sarah Carrau, Kayla Cotto, Ashley Aponte, DeJon Lewis, Fatima Caurra, Lea McNeal, Tanashia Patterson, Marie Joseph, Gerald Brunson and Sade Smith