North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
NORTH BERGEN SCIENCE Fall/Holiday Front Page ISSUE #16: Fall -2020
Dr. Keshishian’s Message While our country and the world are still in the midst of the pandemic, the North Bergen Science Department and STEM Academy continue to adapt, grow and look for alternatives to giving our students both a comprehensive and targeted education. We have always had a focus on experiences outside of the classroom, and we continue to participate and find these experiences during a difficult time for all. I want to take the time out to also thank the TechPD committee who aided in the production of the virtual learning plan along with the parents night conference set ups. They are a wonderful group to work with and I cannot thank them enough (Mr. Allen Pascual, Mrs. Amy Severino, Mr. Daniel Diaz, Mr. Jeff Trifari, Ms. Leslie Correa, Ms. Laurie Troiano, Mr. Daniel Diaz, Mrs. Diana Lawsky, Mrs. Diana Madrid, Dr. Inaya Jaafar, Ms. Jennie Zambrzycki, Dr. Krista Welz, Ms. Maria Morgana, Mrs. Marisol Rodriguez, Mrs. Stephanie Stern, Mrs. Tasha Murphy). On a personal note: please take the time out to thank the first responders, nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals as they are true heroes who are on the front lines of this pandemic.
Coming in 2021‌ Free college Credit Python
__________________________ DECEMBER 8TH MESSAGE FROM DR. SOLTER (click here)
Virtual Learning Plan: (click here)
SCHOOL WEBSITES NB High School
Click here
Horace Mann
Click here
Robert Fulton
Click here
Polk Street
Click here
Lincoln
Click here
Franklin
Click here
McKinley
Click here
John F. Kennedy Click here Kindergarten
Click here
Pre-K
Click here
Application Update and Information
1
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
NORTH BERGEN SCIENCE ISSUE #16 12 11 20 _____________________ CONTENTS
Dr. Keshishian’s Message It has been six months since our last newsletter and during that time we have made some amazing advancements in the Science Department and the STEM Academy. Mrs. Stern-Protz has done an amazing job getting this newsletter together, and I am always amazed at what is accomplished in such a short period of time. It was sad to see our second cohort graduate in June, but we at the Academy were excited to welcome the Freshmen cohort “Season 6” and their families to now be part of our STEM family. As we close out this extremely difficult year of 2020, I just wanted to wish each and every one of you a happy holiday season and just know that each of you have been in our thoughts during this trying year. Hopefully, 2021 will be a better year. Just know that we are always here for you and this too shall pass.
●
Staying the Course - Graduation 2020 STEM Cohort Class of 2021
●
Summer Highlights NJIT Fairleigh Dickinson Saint Peters SURGE and Noyce Scholars Rutgers Medical Internships
●
Fall Highlights Visit from a Scientist Study Skills with Mrs. Mercado Google Presentation/Trainer Award Princeton W.E.B. DuBois Stevens Institute Art Harper Saturdays Gildart Haase/FDU Rutgers Mini-Med Honors School Broadcom Recap 10 Years with NASA
●
Science @Home for our Kids
●
Web Dubois and Art Harper
●
FDU graduations and Saturday Learning
We Stayed The Course STEM Academy Class of 2020 Graduated With Notable Honors
Mayor Sacco, Commissioner Cabrera, Commissioner Pascual, Dr. Solter, Principal Locricchio, Dr. Keshishian, and the entire STEM Committee were on hand to see our seniors off to university.
Valedictorian Michelle Cazorla ’20, and Salutatorian Ludwin Chavez ’20 spoke words of wisdom and hope, as they started their fall semester at Cornell University. Mayor Sacco, Commissioner Cabrera, Commissioner Pascual, Dr. Solter, Principal Locricchio, Dr. Keshishian, Mrs. SternProtz, Mrs. Rabelo, Ms. Shibli, Mrs. Marto, and the Committee
•
STEM Academy Cohort VII Applications
•
STEAM Academy Cadres I and II Applications and Information
2
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
were all at Bruin Stadium with many others to celebrate the Class of 2020 graduation on July 8th and 9th.
GRADUATION 2020
Parents and students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance while the North Bergen Senior Girls Acapella Ensemble sang the National Anthem.
The STEM Academy seniors were all able to graduate together thanks to Mrs. Hovan, who coordinated the in-person event which was enhanced by video singing of the National Anthem, Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches, and plenty of social distancing to keep all safe. Michelle Cazorla (STEM ’20 and Valedictorian) spoke in rich terms of the triumphs of working hard at academics and extracurricular endeavors, and Ludwin Chavez (STEM ’20 and Salutatorian) praised the Committee and Administration for the success he attained through opportunity. Dr. Keshishian was especially proud that so many of our graduates were accepted at Ivy League and tier-one schools like Cornell University, Columbia University’s Barnard College, Vassar College, Northeastern University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Howard University. GRADUATION (Cont.)… Many also were accepted generously to our beautiful area higher institutes of learning such as Fairleigh Dickinson University, Montclair State University, Seton Hall University, Felician University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Saint Peter’s University.
3
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
As the 2020-2021 year is rounding the first Marking Period corner, we are looking forward to supporting the Class of 2021 in their quest for university success as well. We’ll keep you all posted as the year unfolds!
GRADUATION 2020
Families – From top left: S. Rodriguez, W. Guzman, B. Adewale, M. Cazorla, M. Said, M. Gonzalez-Tapanes, M. Carbora, L. Lora-Tejada and J. Blaya. Super-special thanks to the Yan-Franciscos for Jianna being a really wonderful coordinating aspect of graduation and communicating thereafter!
Next up……?
4
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Introducing The Senior STEM Class of 2021!
V. Basvi
A. Carmona
B. Classen
A. Inclan-Aguiar
M. Hernandez
L. Martinez
M. Moscoso
E. Pena-Rollet
R. Perez
A.K. Sihombing
A. Zerquera
2021!
5
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Summer Fun and Learning
by Unknown Author is licensed under open and free sourcing
Palisades in North Bergen
In the midst of COVID, STEM Academy and Science had a fun AND meaningful summer, thanks to our University partners
6
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
New Jersey Institute of Technology UNITE/FPS follow up. Congratulations to Vimbisai B., Amy A.I., and Olha B. on completing programs in advanced physics along with computer coding and programming. The three young ladies were chosen for their outstanding grades, high work ethic and superb talent. Special congratulations go to Amy for the accomplishment of an honors certificate from the program – and all our kids always love university swag! In addition, we have a special announcement later in the Newsletter about a very special partnership with NJIT beginning in 2021 and continuing through 2023. Stay tuned for more exciting news!
Fairleigh Dickinson University Many of our wonderful students took courses in biology, computer science, investigation and covered so many of their interests this past summer. Special kudos to Fairleigh Dickinson University for the amazing way they put all of their programs online. Below is a title page on Down Syndrome from one of our eighth grade participants – now a freshman at the Academy:
STEM Freshman Ashley M. researched the many facets of Down Syndrome and shared her experiences researching and understanding genetics more. She was able to research at a college level, four years ahead. Congrats also go to Camila M. for completing her FDU program course. We truly encourage this in North Bergen as it is an integral part of STEAM and study at the Academy.
7
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Saint Peter’s University Thanks to Saint Peter’s University SURGE and RYCE-Noyce programs, we have been able to provide students with ongoing experiential learning by sending science kits home. Saint Peter’s generously provided our students with Biology/Earth Science kits and offered up research classes over the summer. We are looking forward to a study over a period of four months this winter!
Dr. Garrett-Kluthe with Mrs. SP and Mrs. Hoj and spring/summer SURGE class
Rutgers University SYSP and Pre-College follow up. This summer marked a big first for the North Bergen STEM Academy. Two of our excellent students were chosen to receive training, coursework and research experience in a paid internship. Congratulations go to Ariel C. and Laisha M. for their completion and wonderful work researching at Rutgers University medical programs this summer.
Pre-Covid Image of Rutgers Students
8
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Autumn Returns With Purpose
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under free and open sourcing
Braddock Park
Fall opened with a strong school plan in place. Despite the many challenges since, the Science Department and STEM Academy made learning happen. Thanks again to our university and professional partners.
9
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Skype a Scientist Visit from
Written by Dana Lau-Hojnowski
A few of the Science teachers engaged our students in a terrific program called Skype-AScientist where we are paired up with a scientist in a chosen discipline! This year, the STEM Cohort 6 students impressed us with holding a student-led class discussion with Mr. Andre Leon, a graduate student at Scripps College in California. His studies focus on membrane transport proteins, and the students tackled a published peer-reviewed scientific paper entitled, “Improving the Immunogenicity of Native-like HIV-1 Envelope Trimers by Hyperstabilization.” From this paper, we concluded these scientists are creating HIV vaccines with edited structures to their proteins located on the outside of the virus to allow them to be properly attacked by our immune system. These are currently in clinical trials. Mr. Leon also said one of the strategies in forming a vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 is to alter its spike proteins located on the outside it uses for attachment to infect! This was a very relevant and great experience!
In October, Dr. Krista Welz arranged a special presentation from Tolu Lawal of Google, and Tolulope Lawal Motivation. Mr. Lawal presented his story from growing up in the New York City area, to attending STEM-competitive academies, life in the Ivy League, and his career at Google. Unlike many traditional paths, Tolu’s was a path of finding his passion, and then helping others find theirs. With great mentors and a lot of skills, Tolu is now part of the 119,000 people who make up the workforce at Google. Tolu is currently a program manager at Google, and our Advanced Honors Research Class had many questions for him. His time spent with us was successful as he helped our students focus on their passions and dreams of their careers. We own him a debt of gratitude. Thanks also to Dr. Welz and to Google. Story continues below…
10
North Bergen Science
Study Skills In a COVID - @Home – Virtual World
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Special Congratulations!
Taking care of ourselves has been a tough challenge for these nine months of in-andout living in the age of Covid. Luckily, the STEM Academy has some of the most dedicated teachers and professionals to work with our students in order for them to talk through their needs, frustrations, dreams, and goals. One of our favorite guest speakers is Renee Mercado, a lead teacher at Franklin School, and noted expert in home-school relations. Each fall she sits with our freshmen and takes them through a college-level professional development in study skills, time management and balancing priorities. She was welcomed by Cohort VI, and they had high praise for her skills and expertise – especially when it was time to listen to their questions and concerns about the road ahead. Dr. Keshishian states, “We can’t thank her enough and hope for many more successful Cohort outcomes with the insights Mrs. Mercado brings.”
Tolu Lawal awarded Dr. Krista Welz the Google Trainer of the Month Award for November 2020 during his presentation to our Advanced Independent Research Class. Tolu said that, “This was a way to show that you really care [in Google], and put in the extra mile to really engage with it.” Cheers from the gallery could be heard and we feel an enormous sense of pride that we not only work with Dr. Welz, but we are very fortunate to have her as a leading voice in training and educational technology. The 25 teachers currently in her Ed-Tech NBFT class would agree – the class was filled in less than five minutes. Congratulations again – well done!
Dr. Welz
11
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
RESEARCH ROPES
Dr. Christopher Schaumberg, one of the leaders of New Jersey City University’s Educational Doctoral program, visited with the senior STEM Advanced Research Honors class to discuss the “ropes” of conducting peer-reviewed research. Dr. Schaumberg, in conjunction with Dr. Krista Welz, spoke about the mechanics of research and the importance of taking the steps methodically as the research progresses. Students were engaged and curious about higher levels of learning.
Senior Nicole Hoyos, was the champion among accepted candidates from NBHS who successfully complete last summer's virtual American Chemical Society's Project SEED program! She networked with hundreds of like-minded students from around the country, made life-long friends with her North Jersey "camp" group, and conversed with professors and experts in follow-up discussions after college-level seminars all about various topics surrounding the chemical sciences. She learned about lab safety and took virtual tours of lab spaces. She also was exposed to lots of college-readiness advice and enjoyed every minute of it
Nicole with other seniors at a mentoring session with college undergrads.
12
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Princeton W. E. B. DuBois Graduation Congratulations go to senior Vimbisai Basvi and junior Bryan Gramajo on their graduation from the Accelerated Learning Academy at Princeton’s W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute. Vimbisai and Bryan were part of an elite core of students from all around New Jersey who studied Computer Science, Medical Research and Artificial Intelligence. With the support of the North Bergen Education Foundation, along with Johnson and Johnson, this program allowed our North Bergen students to experience life at the Ivy League school and study with some of the most prominent professors in their fields. Thank you again to all who made this possible, and especially to the W.E.B. DuBois program for giving our students a unique opportunity.
Mrs. Stern-Protz with STEM students Bryan (’22), Mariam (’20), and Vimbisai (’21).
13
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Stevens Institute Art Harper Saturday Academy
Art Harper’s Biography can be found here
Once again, we’d like to thank our partners at The Art Harper Saturday Academy at Stevens for offering their research and mathematics classes online for our students. Last year our own Jennifer S. was a participant in AHSA, and this year we welcome her back, along with Jose M. and Ashley C. to enrich Saturdays with a special emphasis on math concepts and applications. Art Harper professors have a wonderful approach to the subject, and our students benefit greatly from the time they spend online with the university. Special thanks go to Edlyn Thomas, Coordinator of the program, as well as the professors and student assistants for their dedication to developing our students into future problem solvers.
14
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
GILDART HAASE SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Outreach Autumn 2020 STEM Academy is celebrating five years with GHSCSE as a core partner and program. Our students have attended and are attending this incredibly focused engineering school within the university, and have been highly successful in their college endeavors. We are proud to say that a number of Academy program graduates are studying a variety of STEM subjects at Gildart Haase/FDU, and we are in touch with some working as Engineers at prestigious corporations in New Jersey. We would like to send a special note of appreciation to Provost Gillian Small, Dr. Tan – Director, Professors Joseph and Morgan, Drs. Kose, Mondal, Lewis, Jnaid, Jnaid, Alizahed, Choi, Liu, Huddy, Farag, Casti, Mao and Azar. Here are some of our fantastic program participants graduating from Cybersecurity, and others receiving their graduation hoodies and resources. Thanks to Dr. Keshishian for delivering the CSEOP graduation hoodies, to Mr. Locricchio for being a wonderful supporter of resource facilities, and special thanks to a hard-working outreach partner, Mr. Mark Robertson of Gildart Hasse at Fairleigh Dickinson. Each student will get a certificate and have a wonderful experience that may lead to a STEM career one day!
Proud of our Graduates from the CSEOP (Cybersecurity) Program
Hoodie Deliveries
15
North Bergen Science
Gildart Haase School of Computer Science and Engineering at FDU (Continued)
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
TEOP Graduates
TEOP Graduates
“It was a great experience and I had a lot of fun.” – Amy AI – Winner Robotics Competition “Thank you for the amazing program. I want to thank the professors and TAs for giving us the opportunity” – Ohla B. 2nd Place – Robotics Competition “I enjoyed the projects and I was always looking forward to the next session.” – Tawana G. – 3rd Place, Engineering and Report Competition “[The] program was a lot of fun, I had a very good time, and thank you to the professors.” – Alex B “It was an amazing experience, and I had a lot of fun working on all the different projects!” – Maile C. “Looking forward to the next program.” – Youssef E.
16
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Rutgers Mini-Med Honors High School Congratulations to our students who completed the eight-week Rutgers Mini-Medical School. They were able to study topics like surgical knot tying, bleeding control, basic life support, personalized medicine and genetics, technology in medicine and patient interview skills. Rutgers Mini-med is an eight-week program that introduces our STEM and other students to professionals in the field of different medicines, and allows them to get a feel for different career paths in order to have a better idea of what they’d like to pursue in the future. STEM Academy students Arleen IA., Gabriel R., Bryan G, Petra N., Jennifer S., Paulina A., Kelly C. and Jose M. Well done!
Photo from Rutgers Mini-Med website
17
North Bergen Science
Broadcom Update 2020
We would like to congratulate middle school students Benjamin Diaz and Rina Mintz for competing for the Broadcom competition. This is a first for North Bergen middle schools, and we are so proud of them for getting past the County Showcase and getting nominated to the national competition, the largest middle school science competition in the United States.
Benjamin with mom, Mr. Aguiar, VP Alonso and Principal Tennaro of Horace Mann.
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
10 Years With NASA
Glen Schuster
Mrs. Stern-Protz is celebrating 10 years as a STEM Educator with the NASA Endeavor program. Students and teachers may remember building Lunar rovers, Moon landers and parachutes to safely transport marshmallows and jelly bean astronauts in the early 2010s. Seventh and eighth graders recall Dr. Keshishian and Mrs. Stern-Protz judging at school science fairs. Now, with 10 years of applying STEM in North Bergen, Mrs. Stern-Protz will be working on an article and presentation of her time and experiences for NASA. Most important to Mrs. Stern-Protz is to recognize the work and effort of her colleagues across the many organizations she holds dear, starting with a tribute to the late Glen Schuster, Creator of NASA Endeavor and US Satellite. Let’s work toward another 10 years of excellent STEM/STEAM, and the future!
Rina with her proud family
18
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Kids’ Corner: Science @Home Resources (We prefer to be in school, too, but until that time, check these out!) NOAA – The National Weather Service for Kids
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/kids/
NASA @ Home – Books and Activities in Space and Earth https://www.nasa.gov/specials/nasaathome/index.html
USGS (US Geological Survey) at Home for Kids https://www.usgs.gov/sciencesupport/osqi/yes/resources-teachers/learning-home
Awesome Animal Vet video from National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8ckAFRd5Eo
Rocks and the Rock Cycle https://www.ducksters.com/science/rocks.php
Rader’s Physics for Kids http://www.physics4kids.com
Rader’s Chemistry for Kids http://www.chem4kids.com
Rader’s Biology for Kids http://www.biology4kids.com
19
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Happening in 2021! The North Bergen STEAM Academy It’s really happening! Mayor Sacco, Dr. Solter, Mr. Pascual, and the North Bergen Board of Education are excited to announce a new enrichment-based middle school opening in Fall 2021. Ms. Heather Carline and Dr. Jared Keshishian – under the leadership of Mr. Kornberg –will be leading a new committee for the North Bergen STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). The Academy will start in September of 2021 for grades 5 and 6, and each year we will add another grade until it encompasses grades 5-8 Look for important announcements and dates starting this month!.
Eighth Grade Students and Families, Application for the North Bergen STEM Academy Are Closed. Good Luck on Your Applications! Due to the Covid pandemic and for the benefit of our families, we have extended The North Bergen STEM Academy application through January 4th at midnight. We will be giving the STEM assessments on Wednesday, January 13th and sending decision letters the first week of February 2021. In addition to rigorous AP and academic challenges, we offer real-world college learning, music, art, sports and physical education, as well as the comradery and exceptional strength of being with your friends, and making new ones here, and at college experiences. We are thrilled to have had so many applicants so far and looking forward to more wonderful students applying!
20
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
Python for Credit. Free Course Being Offer By The Gildart Haase School of Computer Science and Engineering
2021 brings a new pilot class for STEM Academy 11th grade students and advanced computer science students. They have the opportunity to take a Saturday Academy in Python at the college level. The 15-week course will feature experts and professors teaching universitylevel Python code to our students, and they will receive three (3) college credits good at Gildart Haase, Fairleigh Dickinson University, or others that accept transfer credits. Students will have a rigorous set of guidelines, but a typical college coding class can run anywhere from $1,600 to $4,500 depending on the university. Thank you GHSCSE and Picattiny Arsenal for your generous sponsorship!
21
North Bergen Science
Issue #16 Fall/Holiday 2020
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco Dr. George Solter, Jr. The North Bergen Board of Education Mr. Richard Locricchio, Principal of North Bergen High School The STEM Academy Committee All of our parents, guardians and students for being GREAT during this time of COVID Art Harper Program Broadcom Gildart Haase School of Computer Science and Engineering Fairleigh Dickinson University GOOGLE and Tolu Lawali Mrs. Nancy Hovan NASA Endeavor Teaching Certificate and US Satellite NASA Goddard CCRI, New York City New Jersey Institute of Technology New Jersey City University and Dr. Schaumberg North Bergen District Science Department Picatinny Arsenal Princeton University Rutgers University Saint Peter’s University Stevens Institute of Technology W.E.B. DuBois Program We are grateful for, and always seeking donations and partner projects from universities, companies and organizations. Feel free to contact: Dr. Jared Keshishian at jkeshishian3@northbergen.k12.nj.us and/or Stephanie Stern-Protz at sstern@northbergen.k12.nj.us.
22