1. education
2. school

Middletown High School North
Departmental Highlights
March/April 2015
English Department
JoAnn Cilmi - Literacy Supervisor
A number of English teachers at High School North volunteered to be a part of a professional book
group discussion focused on the reading strategies presented in the book Notice and Note: Strategies
for Close Reading by Kylene Beers and Bob Probst. In Notice and Note the authors introduce six
“signposts” that alert readers to significant moments in a work of literature and encourage students to
read closely. Learning first to spot these signposts and then to question them, enables readers to
explore the text more deeply, finding evidence to support their interpretations. The instructional
methods used to introduce, model, and practice the strategies fall within the workshop approach to
instruction where an “I do, we do, you do” method is employed. Educators met with a group of over 35
secondary colleagues for three separate breakout sessions to discuss the text and share out their
experiences of implementing the strategies with students in grades 6-12. Teachers shared online
resources with one another, as well as assessment methods and tips for turning these reading
strategies into deep, academic conversations with students leading the talk based upon the signposts
they found. Participants in the book group have found so much success with the strategies that they
have been sharing this information with their colleagues.
The signposts and corresponding anchor questions are:
Contrast and Contradictions: The character acts in a way that is contradictory or unexpected given
how he or she normally asks.
Anchor Question: Why would a character act this way?
Aha Moment: The character realizes or starts to realize something that changes his or her actions or
thinking.
Anchor Question: What might the character do now?
Tough Questions: The character asks a tough question that reveals his or her concerns (inner
conflict).
Anchor Question: What does this question reveal about the character?
Words of the Wiser: An older or wiser character gives advice or insight to the main character.
Anchor Question: What is important about this message?
Again and Again: The author keeps bringing up the same image, phrase, or reference.
Anchor Question: Why is the author bringing up this idea again and again?
Memory Moment: The author interrupts the flow of the story by letting a character remember
something (flashback).
Anchor Question: Why might this memory be important?
Visual and Performing Arts
John Carmody –Assistant Principal
Middletown Township Library Teen Art Exhibit 2015
The following students from Applied Arts and Design and Fine Arts were selected to display framed
work in the Middletown Township Public Library during March of 2015:
Tori Trelford
Chloe Rubino
Haley Peanoski
Faith D‟Alessandro
Dianna Hook
Samantha Ust
Tiffany Chen
Lauren Lewis
Jennifer Ungeheuer
Farren Cardinale
Lia Davido
Shannon Runge
Taylor Silverstein
Charles Gravina
Michele Sullivan
Kenny Rosen
Emily O‟Sullivan
Sean Holler
Danielle LaBruno
Kelli Molnar
Mia Triglianos
Connor Welsh
Samantha Binn
Kassandra Uribazo
Arts Fusion Student Art Show
Artwork from the Applied Arts and Design and Fine Arts and other elective courses were displayed
in the library from April 21st-April 23rd with an evening reception on April 23rd.
Patriotic Art Contest 2015
Students from Applied Arts and Design and Fine Arts created original patriotic drawings. The VFW
chose the three winners listed below, and they each received a cash prize:
1st Place: Lauren Lewis (Fine Arts, Amy Skibinski)
2nd Place: Haley Klinsky (Applied Art & Design, Carin Kuzmin)
3rd Place: Charlie Gravina (Applied Art and Design, Carin Kuzmin)
Congressional Art Contest 2015
House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., 6th Congressional District, NJ
Six Fine Arts students entered works, and Jacklyn Ventoso received an Honorable Mention for her
work “Silence. “
Bayshore Hospital
Applied Arts and Design students have works on display at the hospital as part of their “Paint the
Town Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
Refinement Boutique
Twenty-five students were invited to show their work at the boutique from the Applied Arts and Design
and Fine Arts classes. There was a North Art Showcase there on May 15th from 6:00-8:00 PM, and
15% of pre-taxed sales went to our Art Department.
Choir and Music Theory
Peter Isherwood
Choir members have been preparing music for the Spring Choral Concert and All State Choir
auditions. Two MHSN vocalists were accepted into the 2015-2016 All State Mixed Chorus.
Throughout the month of March, students from the Music Department prepared and performed in the
Pit Orchestra and on stage for “All Shook Up.” Performances were held for the community and senior
citizens of Middletown.
Students in AP Music Theory have studied, analyzed, and composed music similar to the format of
the AP Music Theory Exam. Students from the course will take the AP Test on May 11th. Aural skills
and ear training have been a major focus of the class, as well as strategizing on good testing
practices.
A Cappella has been rehearsing weekly in preparation for the Spring Concert and graduation. The
music selections learned, ranges from 1970‟s Rock through present-day Pop.
Music Theory I students have been working on the concepts of chord composition, inversion, and
analysis. These concepts are to be included in the final composition project for the class which is
underway.
Guidance Department
John Carmody—Assistant Principal

The counselors organized and attended Cinderella‟s Closet at Long Branch High School,
where students with financial hardships were provided with a prom dress, shoes, and
accessories for free.

They facilitated Boys‟ State Interviews and selected juniors, Joseph Breen, Kevin Toland, and
Dulani Northover to represent Middletown North with Zach Warde as an alternate.

They held interviews for Girls‟ Career Institute and selected Grace Hill to represent our school
with Allyson Kirk and Cassidy Zappala as alternates.

The counselors hosted the interviews for Girls‟ State. Grace Hill was selected to represent our
school with Justine Cataneo as an alternate.

One counselor attended the Northeast Pennsylvania Catholic College Tour where he visited
and toured the University of Scranton, King‟s College, Marywood University, and Misericordia
University.

The Guidance Department hosted the Accuplacer exam for Brookdale-bound seniors.

The counselors attended the Good Ideas Conference at Georgian Court University where they
participated in several workshops including: How to Work with Different Types of Parents,
Exploring the Adolescent Brain, and Working with Students who Need Accommodations.

They hosted the NCAA signing for Samantha Binn, who will be playing soccer at Wagner
College next year and for Madelyne Marrone, who will be running cross country and track at
the U.S. Naval Academy.

The counselors facilitated junior groups to present and explain the college application process
in detail to help prepare them for next year.
Mathematics Department
Jennifer Martins --Supervisor
Lesson Study is a professional development opportunity where teachers can examine instructional
practices with the goal of implementing effective lessons. During the April 22 PLC, the Geometry
teachers at High School North voluntarily took part in a mini-lesson study. The teachers involved
were provided professional development time to discuss a geometry lesson plan, followed by the
execution of that lesson plan by the district supervisor, and then with a deliberation session that
concluded the process. The deliberation session was the most crucial aspect to this study because
teachers were able to share their thoughts on the lesson, exchange ideas, and develop strategies for
effective lessons in subsequent classes. Overall, teachers enjoyed the lesson study, have been
implementing strategies they learned from the lesson study and requested to take part in more lesson
studies.
Physical Education and Health Department
Neil Leone—Assistant Principal
Freshman Physical Education/Health
Ms. Misciagna
The freshman class is currently in Family Life as their health class for the final marking period of the
year. Family Life begins by comparing and contrasting various family structures. Students had the
opportunity to work in pairs to complete a project identifying celebrity families or families from
television shows that fall under each of the various categories of structures. Upon completing the
family structure unit, classes will begin learning about the male and female reproductive systems.
Senior Physical Education/Health
Ms. McCall
The senior health classes had a very informative presentation on: Abstinence, Safer Sex and
Contraception. An outside community group, Planned Parenthood Organization, visited the school
and made the presentation.
Athletics
Matt Sirchio / Head Coach Wrestling Program
The Middletown North wrestling team held its year end banquet on Thursday, April 30th in the High
School North Library. The legendary first ever wrestling coach at Middletown High School, Mr. Dick
Kleva, and one of his former athletes, Rod Palladino, traveled here from Pennsylvania to present the
Tom Blevins Award. This award is given to an athlete who demonstrates the qualities of compassion,
courage and team before self. Tom Blevens was a former athlete here at Middletown North who was
killed in action during the war in Vietnam. Tom received the prestigious Navy Cross for his honorable
actions during that campaign. Coach Kleva discussed the life and athletic career of one of
Middletown‟s finest student athletes. The High School North Wrestling Program is honored to let the
Board of Education and residents of Middletown know that Junior Anthony Vetrano was the recipient
of this year‟s award.
Science
Dr. Steven Trudell --Assistant Principal
Lynn McGimpsey
Biology
Students conducted research on their Chromebooks pertaining to the organelles of the plant and
animal cells and completed diagrams for each.
www.quizlet.com was used to review the cell‟s organelles. This site permits students to make and
use flash cards, play memory games and take tests to review concepts. Images of the letter „e,‟ onion
cells, and prepared human blood cells were viewed using microscopes. Students learned that their
cell phones can take a great photo of microscope specimens.
Biotechnology
Students researched naturally occurring bioluminescent fish versus genetically modified
bioluminescent fish. Then they randomly chose a piece of paper to determine if they needed to
debate „pro‟ or „con‟ genetically modified „glofish,‟ which are being sold at local toy stores. The
students‟ debates were thorough and thought provoking!
Glofish:
Natural bioluminescence:
Human blood typing and transfusion possibilities were also investigated by completing three different
lab activities. Students determined the blood types of several individuals and determined the possible
transfusions they could each receive. In addition, the parents of a child were determined by matching
the blood types of synthetic blood samples.
Students are presently investigating the ethics, and application, of biotechnology by completing a Web
Quest which provides links to information pertaining to in vitro fertilization and gender selection. The
final project requires students to videotape a discussion in which the potential parents are provided
advice from various individuals as to the pros and cons of gender selection and IVF.
Science of Nutrition
Randy Kalman
The students have been analyzing food additives and discussing their use in various foods of the
modern diet. They participated in a lab (pictured below) in which they compared the texture and
elasticity of all purpose flour to a gluten free flour. Currently, the students are moving from additives to
agriculture.
Vision Science Classes
Randy Kalman
Biology
Students built DNA models out of candy and developed an understanding of how the structure of DNA
allows for information transfer and expression and the molecular basis for mutations. They used
Punnett Squares to predict offspring probabilities and studied translation, transcription and replication.
The students are currently working on cell parts and osmosis which was introduced by the egg lab
experiment pictured below:
Chemistry
Students studied the different gas laws and created a hot air balloon before moving on to different
types of reactions. Pictured below is a single replacement lab (courtesy of Mr. St. Clair) in which a
student is replacing iron with copper.
Environmental Science
Pictured below are students working on building an aquifer model during their unit on water. The
green dye on the left represents pollution that was traced through the aquifer. Students also studied
the importance of agriculture and how the land is utilized.
Forensics
Students have been examining the structure and importance of DNA at the crime scene. They have
also moved on to the importance of hair and fiber collection and comparison utilizing microscopes to
examine different types of hair.
AP Environmental Science
Eric Hoblitzell
Middletown High School North Advanced Placement Environmental Students (Ryan Aker, Rebecca
Meehan, Dianne Hook, Brian Mac, and Jonathan Goldwyn) team up with the Middletown Green
Team, TCNJ students, and the Middletown Department of Public Works and Engineering to stabilize
the bank of Murray Pond from further erosion.
Biology
Katie Connelly, Suzanne Matisoff and Jennifer Woods
While studying ecology, the students created an Energy Pyramid to show the flow of energy through
an ecosystem. The students studied the different relationships in an ecosystem and how organisms
affect each other. The students also reviewed for their Quarterly Exam by playing a heated game of
Kahoot!
The students started their study of cells by completing an interactive computer activity called
“Amazing Cells.” They used the following website: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ and learned about
the cell organelles and their functions. The students reviewed how to use microscopes and
demonstrated their skills of finding a specimen using high and low power to look at different cells.
They viewed a prepared slide of frog blood and then made wet mount slides of onion skin cells and an
Elodea leaf to compare plant and animal cells. The students were enthusiastic about this activity and
enjoyed taking pictures of what they saw. Pictures by Jacob Dillon
To learn about the plasma membrane, its functions and the roles of the components, the students
used the Bioman website. They used the interactive game to build their own plasma membranes, and
answer questions and were then able to see the processes of diffusion and osmosis.
CP and Honors Chemistry
Mike Coppola
The students used their knowledge of solutions and chemical concentrations in two separate labs. In
the first lab, the students used volumetric flasks and their balances to create several solutions of
different concentrations. These concentrated solutions were used the next day in the lab to create
solutions of assigned molarity by dilution.
John Midtgard
Metallurgy is a discipline of science and engineering that studies the physical and chemical properties
of metallic elements, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. One such alloy is brass, which is a
mixture of the elements zinc and copper. Brass has a combination of strength, corrosion resistance,
and formability that makes it a useful material for many applications.
In the Chemistry lab, the students formed a metal alloy by coating a copper penny with zinc, via the
“wet plating” technique. They then fused the two layers together, using heat. The result was a brass
coated penny. The activity related to the students‟ knowledge of alloys as examples of solid solutions.
Social Studies Department
Tyniesha Douglass --Assistant Principal
Ed Jones
World Geography students have been following the events in the Middle East using Upfront
magazine and the Internet.
Danielle Brosonski
Recent American History students read “Elton John‟s Letter to Ryan White, 20 Years after his
Death…” to learn about two powerful forces in history –the AIDS crisis and the social and economic
policies of President Reagan. Three reading questions were answered and then a discussion followed
regarding their impact on “AIDS awareness”.
Names Project-- Students were required to research a famous individual who succumbed from the
AIDS virus. They compiled their findings and completed a project that entailed the following:
1. Making a quilt to memorialize one of the victims.
2. Writing a detailed letter that memorialized his or her life.
3. Organized a fundraising project to help donate money to AIDS research.
The projects were presented to the class and counted as a test grade.
Ellen Hill
During the month of March, the Behavioral Science students studied and researched mental
illnesses, symptoms and treatments of mood disorders, dissociative disorders, impulse control
disorders and personality disorders all classified by the DSM-IV. Assignments were submitted
electronically through Google Docs. Students discussed the prevalence of mental disorders and the
societal stigma against these illnesses. In one assignment, students suggested possible diagnoses
for famous characters from Disney animated films.
The AP US History classes have been focused on the post-World War II period through the Obama
Presidency. To celebrate the completion of the College Board curriculum prior to a period of intense
review and test preparation, the students purchased and wore class tee shirts. The student designed
shirts are in red, white, or blue and modeled on the Marvel Avengers theme.
Doug Felegy
Economics and Entrepreneurial Literacy students have been participating in the H and R Block
Budget Challenge for the past two months. By participating in this online simulation, students
learned and practiced many real-world money management skills: paying bills, managing
expenses, saving money, investing in retirement and more. Students had to constantly
update their budgets to make sure they did not spend more than they made and to not
be penalized with various fees. They were also in competition against each other to see
who could invest the most in their 401(k) while still paying all bills on time.
Besides rigorously preparing for the upcoming AP Economics exam, students have
been analyzing inflation as well as adjusting real world prices for inflation. They
discovered that by adjusting prices for inflation, Avatar was not really the highest
grossing movie of all time. When properly adjusting for inflation, Gone with the Wind
actually grossed over four times as much money as Avatar!
Dan Bucko
AP Psychology students completed a unit on Social Psychology. Topics such as groupthink,
bystander effect, altruism, and scapegoat theory were studied. Students had a project where they
had to create an ideal jigsaw classroom and explain the components of its success. They have also
been preparing for their AP exam to be given on May 4, 2015. Students have been forming study
groups, staying after school for additional instruction and practicing timed writing skills.
Behavioral Science students completed a unit on Therapy. They explored the different kinds of
therapies that are offered to individuals. As a culminating project, students made group presentations
on a particular type of therapy. Examples included family therapy, group therapy, individual therapy,
and biomedical therapy. Groups of students were expected to research their topic, create a visual
(power-point or prezi), conduct a mock therapy session and turn in individual papers. This was a fun
and rewarding assignment for all of the students.
Technology Education
Neil Leone—Assistant Principal
Roberta Vega
Students in Photography I have been expanding their skills through several projects. With regard to
camera skills, they learned about bracketing exposure by creating pictures using only window
light. They learned about shutter speed by freezing fast action subjects with high shutter speeds and
by communicating motion using slow shutter speeds and panning. The students learned about ways
that the nature of different kinds of subject matter affects the image by photographing reflections and
transparent and translucent objects. They produced display quality prints to exhibit in the Spring Arts
Fusion Art Show.
Photography II students continued their research into artists who begin with photography and add
artistic “twists” to their work. After learning about the methods used by each artist, students created
their own original experimental artworks in the style of these master artists. One recent project was to
create a “story board” effect by taking a sequence of images that tell a story, use Photoshop to make
each image look hand-drawn and then use MS Word to arrange their images in sequence and add
talk / though call-out shapes. Another project was called “Digital Pointillism” in the style of Robert
Silvers. For that project students assembled a large collection of related images, adjusted the image
size and then used a special program to distribute the images into a micro-grid on a single large
image based on the tonal range of the small image and a tonal range map of the larger image. The
result is called by many names. “Photo mosaic” is the closest descriptive name because the little
images are used like components in a mosaic to make a bigger image appear. Photography II
students also produced display quality prints and exhibited them in the Spring Art Show.
During the past months Architecture & Spatial Design students have been using SketchUp tools
and commands to follow a complex sequence of steps (explained and demonstrated by the teacher
and outlined in Google classroom assignments, written instruction sheets, and teacher-created video
tutorials) to create a virtual model of a ranch house step-by-step. They first created the raw materials
(concrete block, 2x4, 2x6, 2x10, 4x4, etc.) and then used these raw materials to first “build” the
foundation and then the house itself. So far students have mostly completed the foundation level and
are about to begin framing the exterior walls.
2-D screen shot of a 3-D virtual model created by Evan Bellotti.
Wes Cieśla
TV Production
Students have been given the opportunity to compare and contrast two music videos. One of the
videos was developed by a group of television production students and a second video was made by
skilled professionals for a music performer.
The students performed a separate analysis of each video. They then analyzed what was done
specifically in pre-production (components, purpose), production (shots, angles, locations, wardrobe,
props, make up, etc.), and post-production (editing, SE.) Secondly, students compared and
contrasted these two videos for every element in every phase of video production.
Middletown North Happenings – April 2015
Vincent Pianoforte and Parker Anderson were honored as Middletown North‟s selections for the
Academic All-Shore Football Team. Seniors Troy Thompson and Jordan Pitts have been selected as
All-Stars to play for Monmouth County in their game versus Ocean County this summer.
Students in all levels of Latin at High School North took the National Latin Exam. This is a nationwide
test that measures the ability of Latin students across the country. Three of our students earned
awards for their exceptional performance on the exam. Sophomore Frank Marino and Junior Zach
Warde each earned medals and awards of Magna Cum Laude. Junior Sadie MacLear earned the
award of Cum Laude for her performance.
Students who study a second language took part in our first Language Exchange on April 16 and 17.
They visited other language classrooms and participated in activities that students studying those
languages created and presented. They learned basic expressions and cultural traditions. Students
were excited and had fun learning about different languages from the one that they are currently
studying.
Freshman/Sophomore Council is continuing to plan their co-curricular charity carnival for May 15th.
Many activities are planned for the day in order to raise money to be donated to the local organization
SPUR. Students are currently working on updating game and ticket booths for the event after school
with Mrs. Gerry Mahoney and her Stagecraft design crew. The carnival will include not only
Middletown North co-curricular organizations but also many community organizations including the
Lions Club, the MTEA, the Booster Club and many more. The entire North family is looking forward to
a great day for a great cause!
Theatre Ensemble students have been rehearsing for their One Act plays, which are directed by
students in the class, for their participation in the Bucks County Playhouse Drama Festival in New
Hope, Pennsylvania on Thursday April 16th. Our class had two entries and also attended workshops
during the festival. Following Bucks County, the Theatre Ensemble students had five class meetings
to create the children‟s theatre scenery for the interdisciplinary project with Ms.Thornton‟s Drama
Workshop class. Theatre Ensemble students were responsible for all the publicity and promotion,
scenery, lighting, props, sound, hair and makeup. Ms. Tara Mahoney‟s Play Production classes
provided the costumes. This production was open to all first and second grade students in the
Middletown North feeder schools. The students were sent a coloring picture to complete and return,
and each participating student received a certificate. This production was held on Friday, May first. It
was a collection of short stories adapted for the stage by former Theatre Ensemble students.