HERRICKS HIGH SCHOOL

Welcome and Happy New Year 2020!

Here at Herricks High School we are looking forward to the limitless possibilities new beginnings bring. We are excited to share this newsletter with you as another means to communicate all of the wonderful day to day happenings. Herricks High School students, faculty and staff are active in numerous ways and appreciate the support of parents, guardians and community members!

Stronger Together, This is Us.

Enjoy!

Joan Keegan

Principal, Herricks High School

On January 6th, 2020, recent alumni visited Herricks High School during their winter break to discuss their pre college and college experiences with the current junior and senior class. The panel represented students that are currently enrolled at local, state and private institutions. This is always a favorite day for our school community as it provides an opportunity to reconnect with former students and help future alumni prepare for post graduation.

With our ongoing partnership with the Long Island Crisis Center, team members visited various classroom at Herricks High School on January 8th, 2020 to discuss and support students with recognizing, understanding and negotiating stress, anxiety and discomfort in their lives.

Owner of Engine Works and Junior parent, Mr. Nick Karanicolas provided students with an interactive demonstration of basic car maintenance tips. Mr. Karanicolas demonstrated the proper way to change a flat tire, check engine fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid) and demonstrated the correct and safe way to jump start a dead car battery. He also provided an overview of what the various dashboard warning lights mean and how to address them. He shared numerous safety tips and the importance of reading the owner's manual of the vehicle. Herricks thanks Mr. Karanicolas for providing our students an opportunity to learn new skills and expertise!

Student Government has been hard at work preparing for a few of our biggest events of the year. All of our committees have been running smoothly. Students have been contributing to various school and district wide committees alongside Administration, parents, and district faculty, including Board of Education, PTSA, and Curriculum Council. In addition, the Student Government has also formed a new committee called “The Cafeteria Committee”, in which one government representative from each grade meets with Food Services Director Shakia Hall to discuss ways to make the cafeteria more accommodating of all dietary restrictions.

Each of the grades are currently working on their own projects. The senior class is finalizing prom details and working on securing a DJ for the event. The junior class has been selling sweatpants and is working on money collection. The sophomores are having a Hot Chocolate Sale on January 13th, and are working on making grade sweatshirts. Finally, the freshmen are working on designing a grade wide T-shirt as their first clothing sale fundraiser.

We are already full speed into preparation for our Fireside Chat on January 30th, 2019. The Fireside Chat is an annual forum between student government students, administration and the Board of Education where the students discuss various relevant school wide issues and seek higher support and solutions. Community members are welcome to attend this event.

Another happening in the near future is our first ever Winter Ball. We are extremely excited to be launching a new dance at the high school for all high school students. The dance will run on February 1st from 7-10 p.m. We have chosen to reduce ticket prices to 10 dollars for students who buy their tickets ahead of time, but students can also buy tickets at the door for a standard price of 15 dollars. Students should also try to purchase tickets on Tuesday, January 28th after school, as those tickets will contribute towards battle points for the respective grades.

We strongly encourage each student, regardless if they are an elected representative or not, to attend our Senate meetings. They are every other Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. This is the best platform for students to voice their opinions on school related concerns and cast their vote on spirit days/events.

On behalf of the entire Student Government, we are wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year, and hope 2020 brings peace and prosperity to all.

-Emily Tucker

Student Government President

We are happy to report that two HHS seniors have been recognized as Regeneron Semi-Finalists! Carrie Hsu and Bhav Patel are amongst 300 semi-finalists from among 2,000 submissions nationwide.

Congratulations to Science Research Teacher, Renee Barcia for her mentorship of these students and to all members of the school community that have played an important role in inspiring them to move towards Science Research!

Karen Hughes

Chairperson of Science Department 9-12

On January 9th, 2020, staff members at Herricks High School continued their focus on becoming a more trauma sensitive school. Trauma and stress can alter a person's brain functioning, impacting learning and causing behavioral concerns. Members participated in workshops to explore current trends on anxiety and gain knowledge on coping mechanisms. Staff also explored ways to confidently navigate topics of gender identity, enhance physical and mental states and identify ways to disconnect from digital demands.

Friday, January 10th, 2020- Herricks Idol, High School Auditorium @ 7:00PM

Tuesday/Thursday, January 14th & 16th, 2020- Mindful Yoga, Dance Studio @ 7:00AM

Tuesday, January 14th, 2020- High School PTA, General Meeting @7:30PM

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020- Accommodations & Access VR, Library Classroom @ 6:15PM

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020- Grade 11 College Night for Parents, HS Auditorium @7:00PM

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020- Herricks Community Fund, Community Center @ 7:30PM

Thursday, January 16th, 2020- Student Government Senate Meeting, Cafeteria A @ 7:00PM

Thursday, January 16th, 2020- Board of Education Regular Meeting, Community Center @ 7:30PM

Upcoming Home Athletic Contests:

Tuesday, January 14th, 2020- Boys and Girls Bowling vs Mineola @ 4:30PM

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020- Girls Varsity Vs Long Beach @ 4:30PM

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020- Girls JV Basketball Vs Long Beach @ 6:30PM

Wednesday, January 15th, 2020- Boys Wrestling Vs Balwin @ 5:30PM

Saturday, January 18th, 2020- Girls JV Basketball Vs Garden City @ 10:00AM

Saturday, January 18th, 2020- Girls Varsity Vs Garden City @ 12:00PM

For more information, check out the Athletics tab on the High School website!

Utilize the following schedule to navigate midterms and regents starting on Tuesday, January 21st, 2020.