Community Service and Spiritual Growth

Our students have demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving others through various community outreach initiatives. Recent participation in Ronald McDonald House collections, Veterans Day activities, and NJHS non-perishable food drives showcases how our educational mission extends beyond academics to cultivate empathy and Christian values.

Last week we also participated in a service of Adoration with Father Felix. This special time provides students with a meaningful opportunity for spiritual reflection and gratitude, fostering a deeper connection with their faith.

Updated Academic Policy: Late Work Submission

Beginning this week, all English Language Arts teachers will implement a standardized late work policy designed to promote responsibility and time management skills that are essential for academic success.

Homework and Practice Assignments

Students who fail to submit homework or practice assignments will receive a zero with no opportunity for makeup credit. This policy encourages consistent daily engagement with course material.

Content Area and Critical Thinking Assignments

Late submissions will be accepted within one calendar week of the original due date for a maximum of 50% credit. Students receive an "Unprepared for Class" slip documenting the final submission deadline. Work submitted after this date will receive a grade of zero.  Students must notify teachers via email when submitting late work—Google Classroom messages do not fulfill this requirement.

Assessments and Evaluations

Missed quizzes and tests due to absence must be completed upon return or within one week for extended absences. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule makeup assessments.

Grade-Level Academic Focus Areas

Sixth Grade: Literary Foundation Building

Students are exploring diverse short texts to master fundamental literary concepts that will support novel analysis throughout the year. Recent symbolism projects demonstrated exceptional creativity and understanding, with student work soon to be featured in classroom displays.

Seventh Grade: Survival Literature Study

The upcoming novel, Hatchet, will challenge students to analyze internal and external conflicts while also examining character development. Pre-reading activities focused on wilderness survival strategies have prepared students for this engaging adventure story set in the Canadian wilderness.

Eighth Grade: HSPT is this week! 

Following completion of their recent novel study and comprehensive assessment, students are continuing to prepare for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) scheduled for Wednesday. Research shows that getting a good night of sleep and eating a high protein breakfast help set test takers up for success.  We will continue reviewing test-taking strategies and tested areas in the days before the test to help ensure students feel confident and prepared. 

An exciting short novel selection awaits students between Thanksgiving and Christmas break—details will be shared soon!

Looking Ahead

Vocabulary instruction will resume after Thanksgiving break, allowing students to fully focus on current literary studies and upcoming assessments. Students will be encouraged to focus on gratitude as we approach the Thanksgiving break and upcoming Advent season. 

Have a blessed week! 

Mrs. Lastner