Ocean City High School

501 Atlantic Avenue • Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 399-1290 • Fax: (609) 399-1966

www.oceancityschools.org

Matthew Jamison, Ed.D.

Principal

October, 2011 Dear Parent/Guardian: Below you will find the Principal’s Newsletter for the month of October. Please take a moment and peruse the letter for informational purposes and to get a snapshot of what happened in OCHS during the month of October. Special notes/reminders:

Please remember that there was a revision to the school calendar approved by the Board of Education. December 6, 2011 will be a student half day with dismissal at 12:39 pm. The change was necessary in order to provide teachers with mandatory training. Sincerely,

Matthew Jamison Matthew Jamison, Ed.D. Principal MJ:kks

OCHS Principal’s Report

October, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to the 2011 Homecoming Queen and her Court. Summer Ginn was crowned queen by Dr. Matthew Jamison and the 2010 Homecoming Queen Jamie Slate on October 21st during half time of the game against Oakcrest. First runner up was Makeda Kerr and Aida Pleho was second runner up. The other members of the court included: Tricia DeFelice, Olivia Gillespie, Sahrya Holder, Morgan Noble, Laura Rogalsky and Brooke Singer. Special thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke for coordinating this event. Community members Mrs. Portia Thompson, Mrs. Marybeth Neall, Mr. Michael Allegretto Sr. and Dr. Joe Davidow assisted in selecting the final candidates from 14 interested girls. Special thanks to the following staff members for their help with the election process: Mrs. Mary Maguire, Miss Susan Palmer, Mrs. Colón-Smith, Mrs. Kathy Sykes, Mr. Tom Park, Mr. Greg Wheeldon and Mrs. Helen

Laverty. Thank you to Spinning Wheel Flower Shop for their generous donation of flowers for the queen, her court and their escorts. Congratulations to this year’s Pumpkin Patch! Mary Kate Brelsford, Hope Bromwell, Carley DelSordo, Courtney Keenan, Morgan Perry, Laura Taylor and Miss Pumpkin Natalie Landi. Miss Pumpkin and her Pumpkin Court will represent the City nest week at the annual Halloween parade.

Surprise Visitor!!

Ocean City High School junior Emmie Henton looked up from a gym-class discussion of Pickleball rules on Wednesday morning to see something she didn't expect: Mom. Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Thresta Schlachter and her daughter embraced for the first

time since Schlachter was deployed to Afghanistan in January. The surprise reunion was a touching moment and served as a reminder that many fathers and mothers across the nation are living in harm's way in service of their country. Henton knew her mother would be home on leave, but she expected her later in the week. The meeting was arranged by Schlachter and her husband, Cliff Schlachter. The Schlachters, Henton and her sisters, Thresta White and Madison Kohler, will be able to go on a

cruise to Bermuda before Schlachter returns to duty at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, where she works in supplies. Schlachter (then Thresta Archer) was a member of the Ocean City High School Class of 1982. She enlisted before she graduated, received her GED and has served 29 years in the military. She expects her deployment to end in December or January, when she will return to active duty with the National Guard in New Jersey. http://oceancity.patch.com/articles/mom-on-leave-from-afghanistan-tour-surprises-daughter-at-ochs#photo-7939876

Breast Cancer Awareness month was observed by Ocean City High School’s students at many of the sports events. A “pink out” was held at the Ocean City v. Millville football game October 15th. The yard-line numbers at Carey Stadium’s were painted pink and pink ribbons were painted in the end

zone. Football

players wore pink socks to show their support and the

cheerleaders were dressed in pink. Part of the money from the

gate receipts and concession stand and

from the Cheerleaders selling lollipops was donated to South Jersey Breast Cancer Coalition. About 80 members of the Ocean City Intermediate School and Ocean City High School varsity, junior varsity and freshmen teams got pink hair extensions as part of a fundraiser for Gilda's Club South Jersey. The players donated $10 apiece for the pink extensions to complement their red and white uniforms.

The event raised approximately $800 for Gilda's Club, an organization that provides programs of social and emotional support for families affected by

cancer. Susan Kane of Susie Q's Hair Salon in Seaville worked with OCHS head coach Cory Terry to organize the fundraiser. Terry's mother, Peggy Essl, is a breast cancer survivor. http://oceancity.patch.com/articles/field-hockey-teams-in-the-pink-for-breast-cancer-awareness#photo-7945359

RED RIBBON WEEK

Red Ribbon Week sponsored by the Upper Township and Ocean City Municipal Alliance was celebrated. This is a time when the community and school come together to present a united invisible commitment toward to the creation of a drug-free America. Every morning started

out with students reading announcements about drug and alcohol awareness and education. Two large banners were hung in the front entry way to OCHS. About the Event – Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug-free lives with

the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America. And, perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe. The Story Behind the Symbol – Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out it. "I can't not do this." he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference." The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death. 1 Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, Camarena's Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, California, Camarena's home. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. 2 These coalitions began to wear red badges of satin, red ribbons, as a symbol Camarena's memory. The Red Ribbon Week campaign emerged from the efforts of these clubs and coalitions. Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA's efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs. They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse. 3 1from Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse 2,3from United States Drug Enforcement Agency

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND VISITORS

MISS NORTON’S TIES CLASSES: In today’s technological age, everyone is texting, tweeting, emailing and instant messaging. Miss Norton’s students learned that people (in our case businesses and companies the students liked) REALLY DO APPRECIATE a good old-fashioned letter! Miss Norton’s students learned how to create a personalized letterhead, were introduced to the parts of a business letter and how to set up their letter (line spacing/returns before and after parts of the letters). Each student researched and found mailing addresses for three businesses they liked (whether it was a restaurant, store, manufacturing company, etc.). Students then composed letters to two of their businesses. In the letter, they introduced themselves, described what their class project was, why they selected their company, and what they liked about their company. Every student learned how to fill out an envelope…and their letters were mailed out. Throughout the year, students are asked to bring in replies they receive from their companies! In fact, many students have already

received letters as well as boxes filled with

complementary products! Miss Norton’s TIES classes truly LOVED writing to their businesses!!!!

GUIDANCE NEWS

Representatives from colleges all over the county have been visiting the Guidance office almost every day to meet with Juniors and Seniors to share information about their respective college. The Guidance Office now has the capability to submit college applications and transcripts on line. Many seniors are taking advantage of this service, especially those trying to adhere to November 1 deadlines. This service will continue to be utilized as more deadlines approach and more colleges accept online applications. Now that the interims have been sent, Counselors are meeting with every freshman to discuss grades and check on their transition to High School.

SPIRIT WEEK ACTIVITIES

Student Council members under the direction of Mr. Matt Purdue were busy organizing the spirit week activities. Monday was Hawaiian Day, Tuesday was Pop Culture Day – dress as your favorite pop culture icon; Wednesday was Twin Day; Thursday was Sports Pride Day and Friday was Black Out Day – everyone wearing black!

A Pep Rally was held in the gym on Friday. The OCHS marching band played as the students entered the gym. The fall sport teams were introduced as they walked into the gym. The cheerleaders performed before the competitions begin. Faculty members and students will participate in dodge ball. The Homecoming Dance “New York State of Mind” was a success.

CLUB ACTIVITIES

OCHS CHEERLEADERS were at the Ocean City half marathon helping to cheer on the start of the race. The SADD Club attended the HERO Campaign Walk Rally Reception at Greate Bay Country Club on Thursday, September 29th. This was an informational night about the upcoming HERO Walk on Sunday, October 23 in Ocean City. SADD members Lindsay Vetter (president), Lauren Freas, and Kristen Flukey along with advisor Mrs. Cathcart participated in the evening which included motivational speakers Mr. Elliot (president of HERO Campaign),a prominent NJ State Trooper, local politicians, and other community school members. Lindsay Vetter spoke on behalf of the OCHS SADD Club to the audience in regards to the high school members anticipated participation in the walk and the common theme shared between the HERO Campaign and the SADD Club. On October 17th, the OCHS Gilda’s Club met for their first meeting. Thirty-two members participated in this meeting. Students introduced themselves and discussed why they joined

Gilda’s Club and how cancer has affected their family/friends. Nicole Milan-Tyner, the Teen Program Director from Gilda’s Club South Jersey, discussed what Gilda’s Club South Jersey is and what programs it has to offer individuals from every age range! Tobi Oves, OCHS Gilda’s Club Co-Advisor, discussed an upcoming fundraiser. Victoria Lenhardt, one of our Gilda’s Club members, designed a Pink Carnation and Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Fundraiser to be held at the October 21st OCHS Homecoming football game. All proceeds will be donated to Gilda’s Club South Jersey.

Sharon Norton, OCHS Gilda’s Club Co-Advisor, discussed a fundraiser which will take place during lunch periods the week of October 24-28th Students and staff will have the opportunity to purchase Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons as well as fill out a bulletin board card “IN HONOR” or “IN MEMORY” of loved ones and friends. All proceeds will be donated to Gilda’s Club South Jersey. Throughout the school year (while supplies last), Raider Retailers, our OCHS school store, will donate all proceeds of the sale of their OC Raiders car magnets to Gilda’s Club South Jersey. FCA has been hosting ZUMBA classes every Monday and Wednesday Nights @ 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Please come out and join the fun!

Ocean City High School

6th

Annual

Leadership Club Scholarship Dinner

Dining With the Stars Thursday, November 3, 2011, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Ocean City High School Cafeteria

A fun-filled evening of students and staff members role playing celebrities

A sumptuous buffet featuring the specialties of local chefs including: Mama

Mia’s – Joe Massaglia, Island Shore – Alan Feng, Greate Bay Country Club - Michael

Carmody, Rojo’s Jersey Mex Cafe - Reds Bridgens, 701 Mosaic – Herbert Allwood and

Pamela Womble, The Chatterbox – Aimee Repici & Mikey Repici, Island Grill – Andy Yoa,

Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar & Bistro – John Talese, Positively 4th

Street – John & Sharon

Szabo, Cousin’s Restaurant – Bill McGinnity, Arlene’s on Asbury – Paul Stryker, Scully’s

Asbury Café – Kevin Scull, and CJ’s Corner Grill – Christian Raucci. The meal will also

feature Bennie’s Bread (Ralph Declemente) and a Viennese dessert table featuring treats by

Ward’s Pastry (Walter Hohman) and Cakes by Jennifer (Jennifer Bowman).

The French, Spanish and Latin clubs had a great day competing through volleyball games at the Civic Center. The final match came down to the French and

Spanish Clubs with Spanish winning the final match 15-11. Good job everyone!

On Friday, October 21st, Fellowship of Christian Athletes at OCHS sponsored a 5th Quarter Party after the Homecoming football game v. Oakcrest at the Ocean City Tabernacle. The 5th Quarter Party was an outreach to the high school and over 70 students attended. It was a free event with Mack n Manco pizza, pumpkin bowling and prizes. It was such a success, we plan to do another 5th Quarter this winter after a basketball game. FCA at OCHS meets weekly on Tuesday mornings from 7:15-7:45am in the cafeteria from the varsity athlete to the sports fanatic – All are Welcome!

OC MARCHING BAND NEWS!! On Thursday, November 17th, the United States Navy Field Band and Chorus will be performing at Stockton College. Twelve of our Ocean City band students have been chosen to perform “March of the Army Field Band” written by one of the Navy Field Band arrangers. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. at Stockton College. This is a fabulous opportunity for our students to perform with professional musicians. The OC Band Members selected are: Lindsay Wilkins, Kristina Burnell, Katelyn Washart, Liz Beatty, Steve Skiscim, Sarah Anderson, Linda Galardi, Emily Knight, Dale Roeck, Samantha Parks, Adam Somers, and Jesse Peterson. For more information about this concert: http://www.armyfieldband.com/pages/sponsor/programs/November17_GallowayNJ_1900.pdf On October 8, 2011, the Red Raider Marching Band

participated in the Sea Isle City Columbus Day Parade. The marching band is 86 members strong and all of our members look forward to this parade not only as a performance but the opportunity to socialize as a “band family” on a long weekend away from school. This year the Band Booster’s bake sale raised

$242.00 which was donated to The Gilda’s Club of South Jersey

STUDENT COUNCIL

STUDENT COUNCIL In the past month of Student Council festivities, many members of the club have been working on several events for the school. Events such as

Hallway Decorating, Pep Rally, Spirit Week, and the Homecoming Dance have been a tradition of Ocean City’s Student Council’s for years. To start off the events in October, is Spirit Week, which brings school cheer every day with a theme to it, as it leads up to the big Homecoming Game. Clubs also participate in The Hallway Decorating contest bringing spirit to each hallway

as they compete against one another for the best decorated hallway. This year’s winners were Leadership Club in 1st place, Class of 2013 in 2nd Place, and Key

Club placing third. Many worked hard for this event, and Student Council is proud to have another successful year. To end Spirit week, Pep Rally was on Friday the 21st, which invited all grades to watch and participate in the fun filled games. At the Pep Rally, The cheerleaders and the band performed, teachers and students went head to head in a dodge ball tournament, and finally the Homecoming Queen candidates were introduced to the school. It was another great Pep Rally for Ocean City High School. On Saturday the 21st, the Homecoming Dance took place with over three hundred students attending. The theme for this year was Empire State of Mind, in which the High School quickly became New York City for one fantastic and successful night. For the month of November, Ocean City Student Council will be sponsoring The Amazing Race, the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, and The Scholarship Dinner. The Amazing Race consists of clubs competing in games across the school to finish first for the title and a prize. The Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will have many students of Ocean City High School bringing in canned foods and help bring them to the St. Peter’s Methodist church during the week of November 15-23rd. Last is the Scholarship Dinner, in which Student Council teams up with Leadership Club and Psychology Club in putting together a dinner with local restaurants

FRESHMAN TEAMBUILDING

Every fall, Ocean City High School takes one day from its school year to allow approximately 500 of its students and staff to positively interact outside the classroom… we call this day our Freshmen Team Building Day. On Friday, October 14, 2011, the students and faculty of OCHS held this annual event throughout the course of the school day. The entire Ocean City

High School freshmen class (approximately 320 students), 125 juniors and seniors, and 25 members of the staff and administration participated in a host of team building exercises that foster self-confidence, personal interaction, cooperation, and problem solving, as well as an assembly that advocates living a healthy and clean lifestyle, with a particular focus on the

state initiative of anti-bullying. The freshman participated in a variety of team building activities operated by the OCHS staff, students, members of the Ocean City Police and Fire Departments and representatives from Olweus, our anti-bullying program. This “team building” day allows the freshmen to not only make connections with their own peers during these team building exercises, but also to establish positive relationships with the upperclassmen at Ocean City High School.

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

OCHS celebrates freedom to read! Ye Mateys who won the Banned Books Week contest and picked a prize from the library treasure chest: Allysa Mullins, Mrs. Marge Kaighn and Mrs. Lisa O’Neill– who both listed Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell as their favorite banned book. Mrs. Patti Henry – favorite banned book is Catcher in the Rye by Joseph Salinger Heather Mason – favorite banned book is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Johannah Newman and Ms. Leah Getz – who both listed The Color Purple by Alice Walker as their favorite banned book Mrs. Mary Maguire – favorite banned book is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Toni Morrison Erika Lorenz – favorite banned book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Amanda Andrews – favorite banned book is Bone by Jeff Smith

Ocean City High School Student of the Month

The Ocean City High School “Student of the Month” program recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding character and respect for themselves and others. September’s Students of the Month are: Brendan MacFarlane & Stephen Pashuck Brendan and Stephen were selected as September’s “Students of the Month” for their outstanding character and respect for other students and their property. Brendan and Stephen were in the cafeteria during their lunch period when they found another student’s wallet on the floor. The two sophomores picked up the wallet and brought it to the main office to turn it into lost and found. The OCHS senior who lost the wallet was relieved and thankful when he realized the cash in his wallet was also returned. Brendan and Stephen are commended for their honesty and integrity. The OCHS staff is proud to have these students as part of its campus community. OCHS Sports Played: Soccer Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, sports & surfing Career Aspirations: To be involved in soccer Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Book: The Hunger Games Favorite Movie: Transformers Favorite Quote: Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all love of what you are doing or learning to do. –Pele OCHS Sports Played: Soccer, Basketball & Golf Hobbies/Interests: Golfing, Politics, playing & watching sports Career Aspirations: Navy midshipman, Actuary, Politician Favorite Subject: History

Favorite Book: The Revolution: A Manifesto Favorite Movie: Taken Favorite Quote: Dr. Paul cured my apathy. If he were to pat you on your back, you would list it on your resume.

Stephen Pashuck

Brendan MacFarlane

COMMUNITY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Each student was chosen to be Student of the Month because of exemplary behavior, character and performance. We appreciate the support of each of the

community organizations. There is a critical connection between a successful public high school and a strong relationship with its community.

Sarah Ford was the Rotary Club Student of the Month. Matthew Caulfield was the Exchange Club Student of the Month.