By Julia Pekala
The 2023 school year brought about many changes to our school. Between renovations, schedule changes, and new teachers, there are many improvements that have been made to Hackettstown High School.
Arguably the biggest change was the addition of unit lunch. Instead of two different cohorts of lunches, we now have one 50 minute lunch block. This not only allows students to have more time to spend eating lunches, talking to friends, and getting more homework done, but they also have more time to attend club meetings and connect with teachers. Instead of having club meetings after school, which may conflict with sports, work, or familial responsibilities, clubs can save precious afternoon time. Additionally, there are no more “long blocks,” and all classes last around fifty minutes. Another change which came with the unit lunch is the ability for juniors to leave the building, previously only afforded to seniors. This has caused some conflict, as some seniors believe it is unfair for younger students to also receive this privilege. Additionally, ever since more students have been able to leave the building, there have been instances of stealing and public disturbances in stores such as Quik Chek.
With new privileges come new disciplinary changes. For example, there is a stricter policy on being in the halls during class time. Going to the bathroom is a three step process. First, you need to ask your teacher for permission to make a SmartPass. Next, you need to start your SmartPass and head over to the nearest restroom. You then have to scan in and out of the bathroom and make sure to make it back to class on time. While it is a time consuming process, it is an effective way to ensure no one is skipping class. New points pertaining to our Code of Conduct have been added as well. Certain consequences, such as a conference with an Administrator or a detention, correspond to certain amounts of points. Once these points accumulate, they are organized into different tiers, which then lead to further consequences. For example, Tier 1, which corresponds to ten points, leads to a letter to a parent. Tier 4, the highest tier, corresponding to forty plus points, results in home instruction and a superintendent hearing. However, there are ways to lower these points, such as receiving a positive report from a teacher, or attending a restorative lunch classroom. For more information, check out page 335 of the student handbook.
Other improvements included the several renovations which took place throughout the school. The band and chorus room received the most changes, receiving new floors, a new paint job, and general rearrangements. For example, Mr. Freeman, the band director, received a new workbench to repair instruments in a faster manner. There are more changes to come as well, such as foam boards to help with acoustics. Changes like these will certainly help our music program grow in size and quality.
Finally, sixteen new staff members were added to our school. A survey was sent out to these new teachers about their experiences and goals as new educators at this school.
Ms. Johnson, an Environmental Science, Biology, and English teacher.
Q: Have you taught at another school before Hackettstown? How long have you been a teacher?
A: I taught 7th grade science at Mount Olive Middle School for 1 year.
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
A: My favorite part about teaching is sharing my enthusiasm with students and making them excited about what we are learning about! I love when a student has an ‘aha’ moment while in my class.
Q: What are your goals as a teacher? What new things do you want to bring to this school?
A: My goals as a teacher are making my students become interested in what we are learning, and encouraging them to find their interest/passion. I also want my students to feel comfortable to be themselves in class, and take pride in themselves and their work. I’m passionate about the environment and am involved in water quality monitoring with the Musconetcong River. One of my goals is to involve students in this work one day, either through a club or field trip!
Q: What do you like about this school?
A: I love how friendly both the students and the staff are. My favorite part of my day is greeting everyone in the hallway. HHS is a community that I’m grateful to be a part of!
Q: What is your favorite animal?
A: I love turtles!
Ms. Shah, an Environmental Science teacher.
Q: Have you taught at another school before Hackettstown? How long have you been a teacher?
A: This is my first year in the classroom.
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
A: Making science relatable and fun (hopefully).
Q:What are your goals as a teacher? What new things do you want to bring to this school?
A: My goal is to make sure I make a connection with each student and support them in what they want to achieve. I want to see if a podcast/radio club would be something students are interested in.
Q: What do you like about this school?
A: I love the people in it!
Q: What is your favorite animal?
A: Turtles!
Mr. Simmons, a History teacher.
Q: Have you taught at another school before Hackettstown? How long have you been a teacher?
A: I previously taught at Veritas Christian Academy- this is my 7th year teaching overall.
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
A: My favorite part of teaching is being able to connect with the students in the classroom, at sporting events, concerts, plays, and truly get to know my students.
Q: What are your goals as a teacher? What new things do you want to bring to this school?
A: My goal as a teacher is to make history come alive for the students and for everyone to see how history impacts our lives everyday.
Q:What do you like about this school?
A: I very much enjoy working with the staff at Hackettstown High School and seeing familiar faces from when I was a student at HHS!
Ms. McSweeney, an English teacher.
Q: Have you taught at another school before Hackettstown? How long have you been a teacher?
A: Yes, middle school for 5 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
A: I love making connections to our world as we read novels.
Q:What are your goals as a teacher? What new things do you want to bring to this school?
A: My goals as a teacher at Hackettstown High School are to be involved in the school community and help keep the love of reading alive.
Q: What do you like about this school?
A: I love the sense of community that HHS has.
Q: What is your favorite animal?
A: Manatees are my favorite animal. They are the best!
Mrs. Bethon, a Fine Arts teacher.
Q: Have you taught at another school before Hackettstown? How long have you been a teacher?
A: Yes, I've been teaching for 9 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
A: Sharing the magic of art.
Q:What are your goals as a teacher? What new things do you want to bring to this school?
A: My goal is to make the art studios at Hackettstown a place where students want to be. To create a culture where the art program is admired and sought after both in the community and the county.
Q:What do you like about this school?
A: The students and staff.
Q: What is your favorite animal?
A: a UNICORN!