Each year we support each other, cooperate, and collaborate, to encourage a long term and more realistic level of environmental awareness in our school community. "If not us…Who? And If not now…When?” The week of April 22nd Wayne Hills High School marked the 26th Annual Environmental Awareness Week in recognition of the anniversary of Earth Day.
The faculty was asked to consider that topics concerning our environment are multidisciplinary in scope and blanket world studies, politics, psychology, sociology, economics, business, technology, and science in addition to areas that explore and develop individual views, traditions, social values, preferences, and choices. Teachers were invited to plan lessons during this special week that integrate an environmental theme to promote a greater awareness and sensitivity about local and global ecological issues that endanger our planet’s resources and our human family.
Moreover, teachers in the science department offered students the opportunity to participate in an Environmental Poster Contest from which winners were selected by faculty vote. In the language arts department, students did participate by writing environmental poetry, and students in the technology education department got involved through an Environmental Photography contest. In the week prior to and during environmental week an information area was set up outside of the main office for students, teachers, staff, parents, and visitors to browse. The area displayed brochures and magazines donated by organizations that included the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, National Wildlife Federation, the New Jersey Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, New Jersey Audubon Society, the American Lung Association in New Jersey, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Many thanks are extended to all in our local and school community who participated and supported this effort to raise environmental awareness.
Sincerely,
Tony
Tony DeFina, Ph.D.
Lead Teacher Science Department
Al Ruffini was a science teacher in the Wayne district for 42 years, with 39 of those years here at Hills. In 2005, he retired with an effective and dedicated career of working with students, colleagues, and the township. Moreover, as many teachers know, he continued his relationship with the Hills community for many years thereafter. Al passed away in December 2020, and the Science Department thought it most appropriate and deserving to commemorate his contributions and service.
To that end an American holly tree in his honor was planted in the front lawn outside the Main Office, and the south wing hallway between science lab rooms 228 and 235 will be designated as the Al Ruffini Memorial Science Wing. Al was very involved in environmental and community issues, so we thought it fitting to conduct a "simple" dedication during our Environmental Week this year. This video is from that dedication.
All the faculty and staff who purchased this year’s Environmental T Shirt.
* Technology (Photo) teachers Pam Stomel and Eric Dederding and their students for the Environmental Photos contest entries.
*AP Art teachers Marie Tripp, Gabriela Peller and Rosalie Vallario for having their art students contribute their votes to the poster contest
*Language Arts teacher Scott Summers for providing the daily poem of the day and a great environmental edition of Lantern!
*Business teachers Jennifer Piro and Mike Peischl and their students for generating the “Environmental Awareness” banner in the Main Lobby.
*Science teachers and their students for contributing towards the Environmental Poster contest entries, especially Pam Burns, Tom Winters, Jay Calabrese, Angela Wylykanowitz, Ally Ukella, Maggie Malzone and Jacque Bayliss.
*Special thanks to Media Specialist, Kristen Caldwell for creating a fantastic website from the barrage of material I send you on this occasion.
*Appreciation and thanks to Sam and especially Big Mike and Tony for hanging the posters in the Media Center.
We also appreciate as always, the support from Joyce, Cindy & Stacie (especially for her Good News releases) and our principal Mike along with science VP Dr. Ben and the other VP Administrators.
And a VERY SPECIAL- VERY Well Deserved Heartfelt Thank You
to the "Mother of Wayne Hills"
Our Joyce
Best Wishes Always in All Ways