GMJ Shout Outs!

 

October Staff Member of the Month!

 Please join us in congratulating our Staff Member of the Month for October...

Mrs. Stephanie Wassmer

Mrs. Wassmer is a dynamic and dedicated member of our fine arts department who is always looking for new ways to inspire her students. She consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities for students to develop and express their passion for art. Recently, Mrs. Wassmer helped coordinate the Jack-O-Lantern Walk at Crystal Springs, in which our students had the opportunity to share their handmade pumpkins with other schools from the area. 

According to her colleagues:

"Stephanie is always there to help. She works like she is two people rolled in one and is truly open to collaboration. This alone has made my own assignment inspirations feel heard and addressed. She just makes the department shine."

"Stephanie's easy going bright personality is welcoming and non-judgemental. I hear kids say as much and that they feel comfortable to express themselves in her art room. She is dedicated to her craft and supports the kids through demonstrations and one on one contact for assignment clarity. In the arts when people understand the task and feel heard they excel."

"She is always ready to help and gives you good advice. She wants to provide students a safe space for learning and growth as good citizens in the community!"

Thank you for all that you do to support our students, and inspire art within our community, Mrs. Wassmer! The Staff Member of the Month Falcon will make its home in C-15 for the month of November!

October Falcon Pride Students!

 Please join us in congratulating our Falcon Pride Students of the Month for October....

Silvana Melone, Mikayla Esposito, and Justin Brinck!

All three of these students have demonstrated strong character and leadership in our school and community over the first few months of the school year, and have been recognized by staff members for their accomplishments. 

Nominated by Mrs. Farris, Silvana goes out of her way to help others around her. According to Mrs. Farris, "Silvana is always helpful to everyone around her. Whenever I need someone to help me or another student with something, Silvana is the first to raise her hand and volunteer. She is selfless and would be a perfect choice for the Falcon Pride Award."

Nominated by Mrs. vonEssen, Mikayla has grown to become a leader both inside and outside of the classroom. According to Mrs. vonEssen, "It has truly been a pleasure watching Mikayla grow into the very active student leader that she is today.  She is one of the easiest students to teach.  Not because she is perfect, but because she is not. In French, she demonstrates an authentic style of writing, which is refreshing."

Nominated by Mr. Lonie, Justin is a compassionate student who goes out of his way to help others in our community. According to Mr. Lonie, "Justin consistently strives to do the right thing for others each and every day. He goes out of his way to share acts of kindness with others, and his advocacy for substance abuse prevention through the Youth Coalition sets an example for the community". 

All three students will receive custom t-shirts, certificates, and a gift card to a local business in the community. Please congratulate all students when you see them!

Falcon Pride Students of the Month

 Please join us in congratulating our Falcon Pride Students of the Month for September...

Amira Rachidi & Nicholas Crispino!

Both Amira and Nicholas were recognized by teachers around the building for their positive contributions to our school and community. 

Nominated by Mrs. Vislosky, Nicholas has grown to be a leader in the media center, helping his peers by showing them how to use equipment in the library and maker space. According to Mrs. Vislosky, "He is so helpful to other students. He came in to use the 3D printer on the first day of school and has now recruited three other kids to use the area. He teaches them all how to use the software, save files, etc. without any complaints!"

Nominated by Mrs. Vesia, Amira has shown a dedication to her studies at the start of the school year, and has gone above and beyond in helping her classmates around the building. According to Mrs. Vesia, "Amira has dedicated herself to her academic studies. In addition, she has gone above and beyond to include new students to help them feel welcomed at JTHS."

Both Amira and Nicholas will receive custom t-shirts, certificates, and a gift card to a local business in the community. 

Please congratulate both students when you see them. Thank you for your continued support of this program!

September Staff Member of the Month

 Please join us in congratulating our Staff Member of the Month for September...

Mr. Steve Barbato!

Mr. Barbato is a ball of energy down in the D-wing and brings his passion for teaching, learning, and building relationships with his students to JTHS each and every day. As his colleagues can attest, Mr. Barbato keeps the building laughing with his sense of humor. Most recently, Mr. Barbato gave up time over the summer to craft a new AI policy for his classroom that was later adopted by the school and district for use this year. For all of his work, and everything he brings to the Falcon Community, we are truly grateful!

According to his colleagues:

"Steve is truly one-of-a-kind. He works each day to get the most out of his students, and they leave his classroom each period with a deeper appreciation of English and learning."

"We are so grateful for Steve each day. Especially for his work on the AI policy for this school year!".

"I have seen Steve give up his free time around the building to sit with students he doesn't even have and help them through a crisis. He truly understands that relationships matter in the classroom."

Thank you for all that you do, Mr. B! The Falcon will make its home in D-13 for the next month. 

Enjoy your summer!

 

September Staff Member of the Month!

Please join us as we congratulate Ms. Jasminka Nakev on being named Staff Member of the Month for September! Ms. Nakev is a dedicated instructional aide in the building who goes above and beyond on a daily basis to support her students. She is also always there to help anyone whenever they are in need.

According to her colleagues:

"Jasminka is so quick to jump in and help cover other para's and/or help out in the building. Not once did she say no all of last year when needed to help fill holes in another para's schedule. Always with a smile, always professional, always agreeable."

"Jasminka covers many different students and is always professional, kind and respectful, giving her students space to get through their day successfully."

Thank you for all that you do for our school and community, Ms. Nakev! The Staff Member of the Month Falcon is yours for October!

JTHS Quick Contacts

 Please see the new document below for a list of quick emergency contacts in the building. A copy has been placed in all mailboxes as well!

Happy Summer!

 

October Staff Member of the Month

 Please join us as we congratulate Ms. Cassie Soto on being named Staff Member of the Month for October! In addition to teaching English 11 and English 12, Ms. Soto has shown tremendous dedication to our students by directing this year's fall drama, Almost, Maine (be sure to get your tickets for next week!). We thank Ms. Soto for her kindness, dedication, and commitment to always growing as an educator!

Here is what a fellow faculty member had to say about Ms. Soto:

"When I think of a great teacher, I think of someone who respects students. I think of someone who is warm, enthusiastic, and caring. A great teacher is not afraid to ask for help and is comfortable collaborating with colleagues. A great teacher creates a sense of community in her classroom where students feel safe, yet challenged. She is a cheerleader. She is Cassie Soto."

Here is what one of her students had to say about Ms. Soto:

"Ms. Soto is a really good teacher because she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She is dedicated both in class and in the Fall Drama, and is doing a great job!"

Our Falcon will be housed in Ms. Soto's room for the next month. We are so lucky that you are part of the Falcon Family, Ms. Soto! Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!

September Staff Member of the Month!

 Please join us as we congratulate Mrs. Molly Neral on being named Staff Member of the Month for September! Mrs. Neral is a pillar of our math department at JTHS and currently teaches AP Statistics, Geometry, and SAT Preparation. Mrs. Neral is compassionate, dedicated, and committed to the success of her students. 

Here is what a fellow faculty member had to say about Mrs. Neral: 

"I have been around a long time and I must say Molly is one of my favorite co-teachers that I have ever worked with. Molly always expects the most from her students. She gets them to meet her expectations by having a great blend of holding her students accountable as well as being very compassionate to their individual needs. Her students know how much she cares and they do not want to disappoint. Congratulations, well deserved."

Here is what one of her students had to say about Mrs. Neral:

"Mrs. Neral is always extremely positive in the classroom. What I appreciate the most is that she always goes out of her way to make sure we understand the content, even staying with us after school to help us. She is approachable and extremely understanding."

Our Falcon will be housed in Mrs. Neral's room for the next month. We are so lucky that you are part of the Falcon Family, Mrs. Neral! Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!

Staff Member of the Month - Mrs. Paccioretti

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Virginia Paccioretti on being named Staff Member of the Month for January here at JTHS. Ginny is a paraprofessional working with Ashley Dispenziere's classes and has been in the district for 22 years.  She is kind, caring, and compassionate, and we truly appreciate how supportive she is to our students. She's super friendly, too!

Here's what the staff has to say about Ginny:

"Mrs. Paccioretti is a hands-on and caring staff member. She works well beyond her hours to provide classroom support and make all activities, such as Jefferson Java, possible! Her bright smile and great sense of humor never go unnoticed by the students and staff in the building! We are so lucky to have her!"  

"Love Miss Ginny! She is always so friendly -  miss her smiling face because we have no Jefferon Java right now - cannot wait to see her and the kids back soon :)"

Here's what her students have to say about Mrs. Paccioretti:

“She is awesome!”

“She is Great!!!”

“She is a good aide!”

“She helps me get my work done” 

“We like her so much!”

Thanks to Mr. Paccioretti for sending us the photo of Ginny with the Falcon. Mrs. Paccioretti will keep the Falcon for the whole month and park in a priority spot when we return to hybrid learning. Stop by D9 and say "congratulations!" Great job, Mrs. P.!

Staff Member of the Month - Mrs. Vandigriff

Please join us in congratulating Teacher of English Mrs. Patty Vandigriff on being named Staff Member of the Month for November here at JTHS. Mrs. Vandigriff has been a member of the Falcon Family for 20 years, primarily working with freshmen students! She is a seasoned debate coach and is always such a merchant of hope and positivity.

Here's what the staff has to say about Patty:

"Patty always brings a smile wherever she goes, and her students always feel loved and supported." 

"Patty went out of her way to assist the faculty in organizing their Realtime gradebooks by cohort to streamline the process." 

One of Mrs. Vandigriff's students said this about her: "Mrs. Vandigriff is one of the most empathetic, patient, and kind-hearted teachers at the high school. We appreciate all of the work you do for your students, staff members, and the debate team. Thank you for being an awesome teacher and congrats on receiving Staff Member of the Month!"

Mrs. Vandigriff is a true model for treating students with empathy and compassion, which is more important than ever right now. Patty will keep the Falcon statue for the whole month and will have a premier parking spot when we return. We're so proud of you, Patty!

Staff Member of the Month - Mr. Santos

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Alex Santos of Technical Support on being named Staff Member of the Month for October here at JTHS. Mr. Santos has been a member of the Falcon Family for 15 years! He has worked at all the schools, and Mr. Santos has been essential to our students as he is ALWAYS willing to do whatever it takes to fix their technology issues. He makes such an impact on our kids that our high schoolers remember him from elementary school. Our staff also really enjoys working with Mr. Santos!

Here's what the staff has to say about Alex:

"He's just always willing to help. I know if one of my students or I have an issue, I can call on him to fix it."

 

"Alex is never too busy to work with me on a technology issue or share a tip or trick. He knows so much about fixing our technology but also about different programs too." 

"He's just a nice guy. Whenever he's helping, he's truly interested in solving the problem and doesn't get frustrated. He really cares about the kids and the teachers here." 

"He's a kind and friendly person!" 

Mr. Santos is such an important part of our school community, and we thank him for his commitment to providing technology support for all of us! Alex will keep the Falcon statue for the whole month and will have a premier parking spot. Stop by the back of the media center and say "congratulations" when you get a chance!

Staff Member of the Month - Mr. Stager

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Bill Stager, Teacher of Mathematics, on being named Staff Member of the Month for September here at JTHS. In his words, Mr. Stager has been at the high school for 20(something) years. He has taught all levels of math and finds the teaching profession "swell." Bill also coaches varsity football and has had a tremendous impact on so many students throughout the years.

Here's what the staff has to say about Mr. Stager:

"Bill Stager deserves the Falcon this month for helping all the teachers in the middle and high school kick off the virtual environment."

 

"He provided a shortcut from Realtime to Google Classroom, which was not obvious and saved everyone a great deal of time." 

"Bill has been the shining star for the math department for the last 20 years." 

Bill will keep the Falcon the entire month of October and will also have premier parking right in the front of the high school. In the words of the colleague who nominated him, "Let's show Bill some love!!!" 

Staff Member of the Month - Ms. Robinson

 Please join us in congratulating Ms. Amy Robinson, Student Assistance Counselor, on being named Staff Member of the Month for February here at JTHS. Ms. Robinson is in her first year as the JTHS SAC, and she is doing a wonderful job. Prior to her position at the high school, Amy worked at Daytop and High Focus. Since arriving at JTHS, she has taken an active role working with the JT Municipal Alliance, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and providing support for our students' mental health and substance abuse needs.

Here's what the staff and students have to say about Ms. Robinson:

Staff:

Amy works beautifully with her students individually and also meets with small groups to help students transition into our school community. 

For any teachers or staff members who have not yet met or worked with Amy, I think they will be very pleasantly surprised by her professionalism and warm disposition!!!

She makes students instantly feel comfortable and they trust her and open up about some very sensitive topics. Amy has taken the initiative to meet independently with students on a consistent basis and has implemented multiple counseling groups to address the needs of our students. 

Amy is willing to help in any way she can and always keeps a calm demeanor. I know I can rely on her and enjoy collaborating with her to provide services that better support our students. 

As our new SAC, Amy has jumped right into her position to make a difference with the student population. 

Students:

She puts a perspective that I don't see when I talk to her. When I talk to her, she asks questions that make me think. 

She listens to me and then proposes things to fix problems. She's good at helping me make lists of things to accomplish. 

Ms. Robinson is such a nice person. She's easy to talk to and that's so important for me.

Ms. Robinson will keep the Falcon statue for the month of March. If you haven't had a chance to meet her yet, stop down to the Counseling Department to say "hello" and congratulate her! 

Staff Member of the Month - Ms. Hartig

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Tanya Hartig on being named Staff Member of the Month for December here at JTHS. Ms. Hartig joined us from the middle school a few years ago and works mostly with freshmen students. She has a unique way of supporting all learners and builds solid connections with her students. Most recently, Ms. Hartig organized the holiday toy drive for JTHS students in need; she coordinated donations, wrapped gifts, and delivered them to school counselors.

Here's what the staff and students have to say about Ms. Hartig:

Staff:

Ms. Hartig always gives a friendly smile in the hallways. 

Tanya has helped me to become a better teacher. Her willingness to listen and help does not go unnoticed. Tanya works with colleagues to support students in whatever capacity they need. 

Tanya is an incredible teacher who provides support and empathy to students and her fellow staff members. She always has a genuinely happy smile on her face and her presence always improves the room she is in!

Students:

She's a really good teacher and a genuinely nice person.

If we need help, Ms. Hartig is always willing to give it. She's really good at explaining things.

I understand her teaching very well, and she's a great listener. 

Ms. Hartig will keep the Falcon for the month of January. We are so appreciative of all you do for us here, Tanya!

Staff Member of the Month - Mr. Nicholas

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Jason Nicholas on being named Staff Member of the Month for November here at JTHS. Mr. Nicholas joined us as part of the Technology Education Department last year. An architect by trade, he has truly embraced the teaching role as he has become a mentor to many students. Mr. Nicholas teaches ACE Skills, Architecture, Academy Engineering, and CAD; each class provides our students with a unique hands-on experience.

Here's what the staff and students have to say about Mr. Nicholas:

Staff:

Jason always incorporates students' observations and thoughts into his lessons. He plans interesting lessons that have students doing research and forming opinions and their own style, which engages the students in their projects. 

Jason is always willing to help, share resources, and ideas. I often pass ideas by him to get his opinion on activities that I have planned. His collaboration enables me to be a better teacher.

I can relate to what he's teaching, and he's always there to offer support in any way that he can. 

Students:

He's a very kind and funny person.

Mr. Nicholas has always guided me with his positive outlook. He also gives great advice!

He always has a lot of energy. He's willing to learn more about robotics from the students, which is cool. 

Mr. Nicholas is very helpful and takes the time to help you understand something if you don't understand already.

Mr. Nicholas will keep the Falcon statue the entire month. Congratulations, Jason!

Staff Member of the Month - Miss Wildermuth

Please join us in congratulating Miss Nicole Wildermuth on being named Staff Member of the Month for October here at JTHS! Miss Wildermuth is our Transition Coordinator responsible for working with our students in the 18-21 transition program. She has a unique gift for successfully motivating and challenging our students in the program, while maintaining empathetic relationships. Miss Wildermuth also serves as an advisor to PDP and a Unified Track Coach. Her ability to work with all students in a multitude of settings makes her a valuable member of the Falcon Family.

Staff:

"Nicole is a total team player, always positive, great communicator with her colleagues, and such a pleasure to work with." 

"Nicole is amazing with the 18-21 program! Life skills, integrating the students into jobs, bringing a little joy to their lives (and ours!) with the programs she provides for them! She is also great with students who work with her in PDP and as Unified Track buddies!"

"You can always count on Nicole to pitch in or help out." 

Students:

"She comes to see me at work, and I love it."

"She prints out pictures for me, and she's very nice and kind." 

"She's my favorite track coach. In track she helped me find a partner." 

"She's a good person to you." 

Miss Wildermuth will keep the Falcon statue in her office by Child Study Team the entire month. Swing by and congratulate her on this great honor!

Staff Member of the Month - Mr. Barbato

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Stephen Barbato on being named Staff Member of the Month for September here at JTHS! Mr. Barbato is a member of the English Department and an avid movie fan. Mr. Barbato is always full of energy and spunk in the classroom. He teaches our Film Studies course with great passion!

Here’s just a few things the Falcon Family has to say about Mr. Barbato:

Students:

"He always tries to put himself in our shoes when he's teaching us. He always tries to relate to us." 

"Mr. Barbato connects with his students in an amazing way." 

"His teaching style is good for me. He's kind and takes his time with you." 

"He's really good at getting his point across in a lesson. He's very easy to understand. He's so down to earth and easy to talk to." 

Staff:

"Mr. Barbato really puts students at the center of learning."

"It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Steve." 

"Mr. Barbato is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching and students." 

"He is there to help colleagues in need. He's always willing to support." 

Mr. Barbato will keep the falcon statue for the entire month. Congrats to you, Mr. B.!