BUZZ IN THE HALLS
By: Pam Koharchik
There are many exciting things happening in the school this week, so I’ll get right down to them.
The fall semester’s senior practicum class is wrapping up with another list of impressive placements. Shannon Gallagher worked with Dr. Gemmel of Rider University and Maureen Nosal of AHS on a water quality project. Agata Kloczko worked at Princeton Medical Center. She hopes to explore a possible career in the ER or in radiology. Kim Hill worked at Harwill Press in Hightstown, where she was able to do some of her own graphic designs. Katherine Schantz and Megan Coffey trained at CONTACT to handle hotline calls. Jennifer Chin was busy at Galaxy Dance Studio teaching dance to kids from 4-years-old to high-school age. She also handled ordering costumes and planning and choreographing recitals. Chris Petrenko worked at Forsgate Country Club under the tutelage of the executive chef, a graduate of the Culinary Arts Institute. Anyone interested in sponsoring an unpaid intern can contact Catherine Reeves at 259-7901 ext. 408.
The long-awaited AED (automated external defibrillator), purchased by the Student Council, has finally arrived! Nurse Jacqueline Mulryne has offered classes in CPR and AED use on Monday, Jan. 28. I’m pleased to say a number of staff members have signed up. She’ll be running both a beginner’s class and a recertification class on that date.
Many events are being planned for the senior class. There will be a homeroom meeting of the senior class on Monday, Feb. 4, to fill out cap-and-gown forms. Students are asked to know their height and weight for accurate sizing. The cost of the purchased caps and gowns will be figured into a senior fee, which will include graduation costs, a senior T-shirt and a senior picnic. Also being planned are a day trip for the seniors and a Senior Farewell celebration at the end of May at Cedar Gardens.
A number of new faculty members has joined the AHS staff, including Tony DeAngelis in the social studies department, Paul Soohoo in the math department, William Palacio in the world languages department and Manuela McCuster in special education. We’ll be wishing a fond farewell to Marsha Jones, Spanish teacher, and Joyce Gafgan, attendance. Marsha is moving with her family to Michigan and Joyce is retiring. Don’t be too envious of all you leave behind, ladies! Daniel Fallon in the social studies department will be leaving temporarily as he takes family leave to care for his two sons, whom he recently adopted from Russia.
Character education, a schoolwide focus area for the 2001-2002 school year, will be emphasized more in the second semester. Due to the tragedy of 9/11, it was sidelined a bit, although many would say that character education is just what came out of the situation we all endured.
Buzzing in the halls this week: Last week’s Saturday detention has been rescheduled for this Saturday…
The junior class will be holding a prom meeting on Friday after school…
The G&T is sponsoring a trip to see The Who’s "Tommy" in Philadelphia on Feb. 13. Cost is $50…
Remember, Monday is a student day off. Staff will report as usual.
Pam Koharchik is an English teacher at Allentown High School.