Henry Hudson Regional High School senior Julianna Werdann gave her monthly report on events happening throughout the K-12 school at the regular meeting of the Regional Board of Education.
Werdann works under the guidance of advisors Dawn DeSanto and Jessica Merrigan in securing her information before filing her report.
Reporting on events at the Atlantic Highlands elementary school, Werdann noted all ten of Mrs. Bellantoni’s teams successfully advanced to the regional round of the STEAM Tank competition, an innovation challenge run by the New Jersey School Boards Association and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
She explained STEAM Tank challenges students to develop innovative products and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. “Our teams have risen to the challenge, “ she said, adding two teams, The Safety Sensor and The Window Cover earned a spot in the final competition, and will present May 21.
Werdann reported Mrs. Cusson’s Wax Museum at the Highlands Elementary School had third graders delving into research on historical figures and cultural icons, embodying their personas and sharing brief narratives about their contributions. Students had the chance to explore the museum and learn about the lives and achievements of the famous individuals!
The school also recognized Neurodiversity Awareness by engaging students in meaningful, school-wide activities that included Student Council members creating and delivering educational lessons to all classes, focusing on the importance of understanding and accepting differences in how we think and learn.
Each class also participated in a door decorating project, with themes centered on the idea that all minds work differently and should be celebrated. Ms. Montana’s Class won for the K-2 competition and Ms. Harbstreet’s class took honors for the 3-6 grade group.
The school’s Drama Club delivered an outstanding performance of The Wizard of Oz, Werdann reported thanks to students working diligently for weeks rehearsing lines, songs, and choreography to bring the beloved American classic to life on stage.
She expressed the thanks of all to Ms. Somma for her direction and leadership, as well as to all the parent volunteers whose time and support were instrumental in helping the students shine.
Werdann’s report of Hen Hudson High School activities included thanks from the Admiral Players to the educational community at the school “for their unwavering support of the performing arts in our schools. “ The Drama Club produced two musicals this year – Urinetown and SpongeBob.; audiences were delighted and the students were given an excellent hands-on experience in the arts.
The Esports Club qualified for the in-person playoffs-finals for Spring 2025 and will head to Georgian Court University May 17 to fight for the state championship.
Juniors Marishka Evelich, Lily Thorne, Kaitlyn Nastasi, Loghan Nobile and Ava Santoro, chaperoned by Ms. DeSanto, represented Hudson at the 17th annual “Running and Winning Leadership Workshop”, for junior girls at Monmouth Regional High School April 8. Ten high schools from Monmouth County participated. The goal of “Running and Winning” is to empower and encourage an interest in public service and to develop the next generation of female leaders.
The Student Council sponsored the “Henry Hudson Hat Day” to support the “Caps for Kids Pediatric Cancer Charity” on April 8, Werdann reported. She explained the annual tradition asks students and staff to wear a hat in support of children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments and to make a donation to the cause. This year, Hudson raised $350. Prizes were given for Best Middle School Hat and Best High School Hat.
On April 25, 60 student leaders from the Tri-M, Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society came together to celebrate “National Student Leadership Week”. Advisors Ms. DeWyngaert, Mrs. Merrigan, Ms. Fleming, Ms. DeSanto and Mr. McGill planned a presentation that included small group, round-table activities for students, who were asked to reflect upon their skills and experiences in order to become more effective leaders, and to highlight how their leadership impacts the school and community. A “Leadership Bulletin Board” can be found outside of the Main Office, in which all of these student leaders contributed by submitting a leadership quote that was meaningful to them.
The reporter noted that in early May 2, seniors planned to host a Decision Day Breakfast celebrating the future plans of the Class of 2025 and thanked Senior Advisors, Ms. Fleming and Mr. Grimes for the work that they did for the class and for planning this celebration.
Friday, May 2 is “National School Lunch Hero Day”! and Werdann, in her report to the board, asked for thanks for “our Cafeteria workers for all of their hard work and commitment to the nutrition and well-being of our students.
The day before is “National School Principals’ Day”, she continued, urging continued Thanks to the Principals of the Tri-District for their dedication to students, staff and community!
