Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
NORTH BERGEN SCIENCE ISSUE 11: 1-15-19 CONTENTS HUMC
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Cadaver Lab
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WEB DuBois
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want to take a moment to thank the STEM Academy committee and my
Duke U
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amazing department for all that they do for the students of North
Connecting with IVYs.
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Academy Committee
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Elementary News
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Graduates Visit
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Montclair
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FDU Program Grads
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CASIS/NJIT
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COHORT V
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New STEM Logo
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Dr. Keshishian’s Message This has been an amazing five months of school and so much has happened within the science department and STEM Academy. I just
Bergen High School and the North Bergen School District. ~Dr. Jared E. Keshishian, District Supervisor of Science
HUMC Hackensack Meridien Health Palisades Medical Center Disaster Drill In November, students from North Bergen STEM Academy and Student Council participated in a disaster drill at Hackensack Meridien Health Palisades Hospital. The purpose of this drill was to help train staff at the hospital in case a mass casualty incident occurred and how they would handle the emergency room being flooded with individuals with a wide range of trauma. The students were given cards and were told to play the part of either a person who is hurt or a loved one looking for the victims. The
The Science of today is the technology of tomorrow. – Edward Teller
drill was roughly an hour long and the students and faculty that attended the trip gave feedback to the hospital in which they observed. Unfortunately, we cannot share pictures of this amazing event because hospital was still actively taking care of real patients; therefore, no photos were allowed. We thank Hackensack University Medical Center on the Palisades for Produced and written by Dr. Jared E Keshishian Additional writing and editing by Nancy Hovan and Stephanie Stern-Protz
North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
Disaster Drill Continued allowing us the opportunity to expose our students to the inner working of a hospital and we were glad to give back to our local hospital by aiding them in their drill.
Cadaver Lab The Human Anatomy classes at North Bergen High School attended a working cadaver lab at Rutgers University’s School of Kinesiology. The students had a hands on experience, observing, locating, and holding a variety of organs and
Ms. Shibli, Ms. Carline, Mrs. Rabelo and Dr. Keshishian listen as Hospital Emergency Leaders brief students on the drill.
tissues. “This experience was invaluable, instead of the students looking at pictures in a book or watching video, they were able to see the layout of the human body and feel the weight and texture of the organs” ~ Dr. Keshishian. This field trip was the brainchild of Ms. Kelle Trabucco whose work made this experience happen for our students. We can’t wait to return next year! .
Ms. Carline, Mrs. Ramadan and Mr. Dwyer of Palisades Hospital, brief students as they get ready to go in for the drill. North Bergen students (left) with cadaver at Rutgers. Many people donate their bodies to science, and we are grateful for their gift to our students and the greater scientific community.
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Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center Disaster Drill Highlights
Mrs. Stern-Protz with STEM sophomores and seniors who came out to help the hospital.
James D’Amore, security expert, debriefs students after the event.
Drill participants get into their roles while receiving instruction from professionals at HUMC Palisades Hospital.
Theresa Rabelo, Director of Student Personnel, with volunteers thanking them for their community contribution to the event. “Their actions may help our medical professionals save lives in the future,” stated Mrs. Rabelo.
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Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
DUKE Summer Camp
W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute
DURHAM, N.C. – With 28 countries represented This year we are delighted to have two students
last year alone, Duke University Summer Session
accepted to the prestigious W.E.B. DuBois Scholars
for High School Students attracts the brightest
Institute that is held at Princeton University. The
students from around the world.
institute is a focused, accelerated, learning academy
Participants in this prestigious program will be
that spans three weekends from January through May.
immersed in a college environment, engaging in a
Students work with advanced mathematics and are
rigorous academic environment, and living
challenged with rigorous curriculum while making new
on Duke University’s historic West Campus. A wide
friends and having the experience of life on an IVY
range of extracurricular academic and cultural
League campus. Mariam Karmerji and Vimbasi Basvi,
activities will supplement their time in the
pictured below, received generous scholarships from
classroom.
DuBois to offset the cost of the Institute.
Zoubair Belfki, a freshman at the North Bergen
“Thank you so much for your generosity
STEM Academy in North Bergen, New Jersey, will be attending Duke this summer.
and for always thinking of our children and my daughter.” - Tonderayi Basvi
Dr. George Solter, Superintendent of Schools, with Mariam, Vimbisai, and Mrs. Stern-Protz.
Zoubair is pictured here with Dr. Jared Keshishian, Chair of the Academy. "We are very proud of Zoubair's accomplishment and are looking forward to our STEM students enjoying another summer filled with new experiences," Dr. Keshishian stated.
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North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
Connecting Our Students to IVY and Top Colleges One of the most closely watched list among parents of college-bound children is the US News and World Report Ranking of America’s Best Universities. STEM and honor students got to meet both of the universities that share the #8 spot this year.
In October, the students visited The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. They got to listen to a presentation about all of the incredible opportunities the university offers in a multitude of areas including research, the humanities, international studies; and of course STEM majors. Students were then taken on a campus tour and stopped at Robert Indiana’s world-famous “LOVE” sculpture. UPenn is a world-class research center, and many students can study cross-curricular subjects, bridging STEM with Humanities. One of the highlights of the trip was a stop for lunch at the famous Spruce Street Food Truck section of the campus! Accompanied by Mrs. Maldonado, Mrs. Martoral, Mrs. Stern-Protz and Mr. Ganesh, STEM, Student Council and honor students visited The University of Pennsylvania in October 2018.
Dr. Nicki Charles (center), Director of Summer Programming at Duke University recently visited NBHS and spoke about Duke summer offerings and applying to the university as an undergraduate. She presented the case for our students to consider a summer at Duke, and the rigor of studying there in just a week’s time. She highlighted the amazing life on campus and the vast amount of research at a higher-learning institution with students from all over the world. When posed with the question about applying to Duke, Dr. Charles highlighted that the university does draw the top students, and that “top” encompassed a wide range of talents and did not solely draw on just a GPA or SAT grade. We are fortunate to have hosted Dr. Charles, who stated of our students, “I’ve been all over the country, and this is one of the most focused and interested groups of young people I’ve spoken to.” Thank you Dr. Charles for visiting NB STEM! 5
North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
Get to Know The STEM Academy Committee Established in 2015, the North Bergen STEM Academy is a college preparation program for those students who are ready to pursue STEM and related careers through an accelerated and rigorous curriculum, and participate in experiential learning. Our committee consists of:
Dr. Jared Keshishian – District Supervisor of Science and STEM Academy Chair Dr. Keshishian obtained his bachelor’s degree in biology from Ramapo College in 2005 and began working in North Bergen High School as a Science teacher for 9 years. During that time he obtained his Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from St. Peters University in 2009 and in 2014 was promoted to District Supervisor of Science. He received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership Management and Policy from Seton Hall University in 2018. He is also a volunteer EMT in Edgewater, NJ and considers himself to be a life long learner.
Mrs. Theresa Rabelo – Director, Student Personnel Services. Mrs. Rabelo is a North Bergen High School graduate and received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a major in English from New Jersey City University in 2005. She began working at Robert Fulton Elementary School as a 2nd grade teacher. In 2009, Mrs. Rabelo graduated from New Jersey City University with her Master of Art in School Counseling. She was appointed as School Counselor in Robert Fulton Elementary School. In 2013, Mrs. Rabelo furthered her education with a second Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Peter's College and was appointed as Supervisor of Elementary Guidance. In 2017, Mrs. Rabelo was promoted to Director of Student Personnel Services and is currently housed at North Bergen High School.
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Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
The STEM Academy Committee
Shareen Shibli – Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics Ms. Shibli is a North Bergen High School graduate and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Montclair State University. In 2015, she obtained her Master of Arts in Urban Education from New Jersey City University. Ms. Shibli taught high school Mathematics for seven years before being appointed the Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics this past school year. Ms. Shibli’s passions include Mathematics, public education and social justice.
Heather Carline – District Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Ms. Carline received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia University. She earned her Master of Science in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Carline has taught in the North Bergen School District for sixteen years and currently serves as the President of the Hudson County Gifted & Talented Consortium.
Mrs. Jocelyn Keshishian Marto –School Counselor Mrs. Marto graduated from Ramapo College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree in January 2004. As a certified mathematics teacher, she was a teacher of mathematics in the district from January 2004-January 2015. She taught 7th grade Math at Horace Mann in 2004 and 2005 and moved to the high school in September 2005. Mrs. Marto obtained a Master of Arts in Education from Saint Peter’s College (now Saint Peter’s University) in May 2006 and graduated from New Jersey City University in December 2009 with a Master of Arts in Counseling degree. In January 2015 Mrs. Marto became a high school guidance counselor. 7
Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
The STEM Academy Committee
Mrs. Stephanie Stern Protz – STEM and STEAM Specialist, and Coordinator of Experiential Learning Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix, and a STEM Education Certificate, with Leadership Distinction, from Teachers College at Columbia University through her NASA Endeavor Fellowship. In addition, Stephanie holds a professional certificate in Organizational Development and Training from New York University. In 2012, Stephanie was invited to Capitol Hill to present her STEM work at a Congressional staffers Lunch and Learn, and has curated original lesson units with Goddard Space Flight Center and the Goddard Institute of Space Studies (GISS). Steph conducted research with a team led by renowned NASA senior scientist, Dr. Dorothy M. Peteet at Lamont Doherty/Columbia University. She is a co-author (research) on Dr. Peteet’s paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that addresses challenges to New York’s Jamaica Bay. This fall, Stephanie plans to begin her doctoral degree. Anyone who knows Steph knows that she is dedicated to her family, her community, and over the past 13 years, to improving the lives of her students in North Bergen. She accomplishes this through finding programs where NB students learn outside of the realm of the classroom setting. She volunteers many weekends to chaperone middle school and high school students to university programs. Steph cannot accomplish what she does without the support of Mayor Sacco, the Board of Education, her fellow Committee Members, her family and the university and organizational partnerships that have given their expertise to the Academy and our schools. She thanks them all for their unwavering support.
Thomas and Dayna Sessa – Community Advocates In 2009, husband and wife engineers & entrepreneurs Dayna and Thomas Sessa founded the Porvenir Fund. The fund was created to give children the opportunity to actualize their own potentials, to architect a robust future for their families, and to engineer a better world through STEM education and creative development. Mr. and Mrs. Sessa have been part of the STEM Committee since the inception of the school program, in order to give us a better perspective on what’s expected of our graduates in the real world. The Sessas help us bridge the gap of what our students need to learn in order to better themselves and graduate to become talented STEM college and career professionals. “We are focused on the future of our kids and the future of a society in which more children have the opportunity to tap their full potential.”
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Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
Some Great Things are Happening At our Elementary Schools! Lincoln School: From Mrs. Lynch Lincoln’s 7th and 8th grade science classes are completing an 8-session course offered by Rutgers Cooperative of Hudson County on “Expanded Food and Nutrition Program” presented by Maribel Velez. It started on November 2nd, and met each week. The program is concluding this month. Special thanks to Mrs. Inaya Jaafar who set the entire program up!
Proud Lincoln students show their work in nutrition!
Kennedy School: Meadowlands Environment Center Mobile Food Lab to come to JFK on November 7th all day to do a program with our PEAK 4-5 students. More information can be found about the food lab at https://www.mobilefoodlab.org/ Franklin School: This year three students are gearing up to participate in the Hudson County Science Fair. With guidance from Mr. Guzman, we will see how the students do and we will highlight their work in the next issue. Horace Mann School: Sixth-grade student Fiona Valdes entered in the Bayer #Alka-rocket contest. With some help from Mrs. Tasha Murphy and Mr. Aguiar, they produced the entrance video of her Alka-Seltzer rocket in action. We will keep our fingers crossed to see how she does. Good luck to Fiona!
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North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
Graduates Return to Speak to STEM Cohorts Four of our North Bergen alumni came back to visit and speak with the STEM Academy students and help them consider their future decisions and course pathways leading to college application time. Cruz Donato ’17 (New Jersey Institute of Technology Sophomore) and Josemiguel Rodriguez ’17 (Saint Peters University Sophomore) came to speak about the transition from high school to college and what they found helped them make the adjustment.
Cruz said, “It’s about knowing what you want to study and taking advantage of all that North Bergen has to offer in rigorous coursework, and what you want to take. Important tip – put away the cell phone in order to get the most out of studying.” Josemiguel added, “At first I wanted to take Chemistry in college, but found that I gained a deeper interest for International Law and History. I went with what I was most ardent about in pursuing a career.” Cruz Donato ’17 with Josemiguel Rodriguez ’17 (both center) with STEM Academy students.
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North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
Graduates Return to Speak to STEM Cohorts (cont.) Mabel Oviedo ‘12, (University of Pennsylvania/UPenn) and Fulbright Scholar, is currently working as a Policy Specialist for Google in Texas. She shared her experience in searching out an IVY League education from North Bergen High School, what it was like to attend UPenn and how she began to make the transition from college to career employment. She recalled that many people – some very close to her - told her that since she was attending an urban school in North Bergen that she would be happier at a less challenging and less expensive school. “I’m glad I didn’t listen to everyone,” Mabel stated, “and I believed that I could make it happen. It took A LOT of work, but it all came together, and here I am.” Mabel won the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship, and her Fulbright Scholar experience in Spain proved a successful part of her UPenn life chapter.
Dr. Keshishian with Mabel Oviedo
Mabel with our students. Special thanks to Theresa Rabelo and Guidance Counselor Michelle Martoral for coordinating this event!
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North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
Graduates (cont.) Finally Daniel Perez ’18 who graduated last year came to speak to the Academy about his experience at Vassar College, and to give students some tips in applying to competitive schools as well as sharing his challenging course load as a newly minted-freshman. “I looked for a school that was at the level of an IVY League university, but that was also a collaborative community of learners.” Daniel stressed to the Academy that, “finding the right school for YOU is what counts the most. Study hard, take advantage of North Bergen’s AP offerings, and be super-involved in clubs, sports and extra-curricular community.” The common theme among all of the presenters was their positive outlook about the STEM Academy and the opportunities that it brings to the newest generation of North Bergen students. Our students learned that their search goes beyond either “all-local/inexpensive” or “IVY or nothing” mentalities to what is the BEST college fit for who they want to become instead. This is a good lesson for students seeking to make the most of their experiences beyond high school.
Daniel Perez discussing his experiences at Vassar College in New York
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Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
Montclair Continues to Support NB STEM We are fortunate to have a very successful relationship with Montclair State University. The university has a sizeable campus that looks and feels like some of the best private colleges in the country. The campus now boasts a brand new Nursing school, Life Sciences building, and has added a state-of-the-art School of Communication and Media Complex built through a generous gift from the SONY Corporation. STEM Academy freshman classes have been fortunate enough to attend a campus tour and demonstration since the inception of the Academy. Thanks to Joe Bavazzano, Director of the ADP Center for Learning Technologies in the College of Education, every freshman cohort has visited the school since 2015. Many North Bergen graduates choose Montclair because of its close proximity to Hudson County and New York, the ability to either commute or get the living-on-campus life, and its array of majors from STEM through the Humanities. This year, our students focused on Life Sciences and integration of technology in Education and Medicine. They were able to meet Dr. David Phillips, Assistant Professor in the Exercise Science and Physical Education Department, and learn about using virtual reality (VR) to help people who have spinal and other injuries regain their balance through training in a “second-life” environment. Students were able to be a part of the VR demo and had a wonderful time visiting the university. Mrs. Stakiwicz and Mrs. Caraballo - two Montclair alumni – went along with Mrs. Stern-Protz to chaperone and visit their alma mater. This first college experience through the Academy at Montclair has become a very special event for our learners, and we would like to thank everyone who makes our successful partnership continue to flourish.
A grey day but sunny spirits in Cohort IV pictured here with Mrs. Stern-Protz, Mrs. Caraballo and Mrs.Stakiwicz.
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Kevin Galarraga and Ariel Cepeda help Dr. Phillips demonstrate movement calibration through VR
North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
Fall CSEOP, TEOP, META, and GEE Students Graduate
We are pleased to announce that 25 students graduated from our three Fall Saturday programs at Farleigh Dickinson University. Under the direction of Mrs. Stern-Protz our relationship with FDU continues to grow and this year she has obtained over 30 seats in four programs for the spring semester. At the end of the program there is a wonderful ceremony where the students, along with their parents, come together and celebrate the achievements of their participation in the program. CSEOP allows students to learn and investigate Cyber Security. FDU offers a Bachelors with a concentration in the subject and a Master of Science in Cyber Security as well. META takes Mathematics and applies difficult-to-understand concepts to everyday activities. Students leave with a better relationship to math when they finish the program. TEOP (Technology Engineering Outreach Program) is the bastion of the FDU Saturday offerings and thanks to Professor Miller, it grows in success each and every year. Finally GEE (Girls Exploring Engineering) is the newest edition to the Fairleigh Dickinson Outreach family, and North Bergen graduated its first five ladies in the Fall and the next eight are staring this spring. Below and on the next page are pictures of the students with proud family members and teachers by their sides.
The META team: Marianna Said (STEM Academy Senior), Michael Said (STEM Academy Junior) Milena Patino, Eduardo Hernandez, James Paucar (STEM Academy Sophomore, and Lanaya Carbonell (STEM Academy Sophomore) with Dr. Keshishian, Mrs. Stern Protz and The FDU META Math Professors. Thank you!
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Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
Shelia Rodriguez, STEM Junior
Alberto Castillo, Senior
Bryan Gramajo, STEM Freshman
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Arleen Inclan, STEM Sophomore
Mishael Hernandez, STEM Sophomore
Eric Soliz, Senior
Saif Khan, Senior
Jeremy Espinoza, STEM Freshman
Petra Nassereddin, STEM Freshman
North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
The TEOP graduating crew with Mrs. Stern-Protz and proud parents looking on!
(l) GEE TA and North Bergen graduate Javiera Nunez with (l-r) volunteer Miranda Stern , Michelle Carpio and Yousra Fares (r) Aayalah Garcia with wonderful Grandma and mom – and thanks to big sis for picking her up at school each week! (Below l-r) It doesn’t get much better. Andrea Pacheco (l) with her beaming-with-pride mom and dad, and Natalie Majano (r), our speaker, who moved the audience to tears.
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Issue #11 Winter 2019
North Bergen Science
NJIT CASIS AND ENGINEERING CAREER DAY We previously announced that North Bergen STEM Academy became a beneficiary district to a program out of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) through NASA CASIS (Center for the Advancement of Science in Space). Our student team was introduced to Dr. Boris Khusid (for a biography, click here), renowned physicist and chemical engineer, and professor at NJIT. Dr. Khusid is an expert in the field of fluid dynamics, and students learned about liquids in near-zero gravity. As one student put it, “I never thought we had to worry about water or anything like that because it just floats, but our bodies are made up of so much liquid, and we have to make sure our blood is still pumping!” According to Khusid, “That is part of the reason why astronauts have to work out for five to seven hours each day in space.” This past fall, our student CASIS team members learned about the Lavazza Espresso machine designed for the International Space Station Mrs. Stern-Protz is gathering information and readying the team to build a cube to go on a Space balloon in 2020! With the help of Dr. Khusid, and the NJIT Maker-Space team, she is targeting a 2020 launch. In addition, STEM students from North Bergen were treated to a day of engineering when they were introduced to the engineering majors at NJIT, along with about 900 other students from around the country. The students spoke with professors in civil, electrical, mechanical, architectural, and new focus studies such as drone and aeronautical engineering. NJIT has a rigorous engineering, technology and mathematic curricula, and we are fortunate to have such interest through STEM Academy. (middle) Students from all over New Jersey gather to learn about engineering excellence at NJIT Dr. Khusid with the ’18-’19 CASIS Team in October 2018
. A. Sihombang, J. Paucar, E. Pena-Rollet R. Perez, A. Zerquera, B. Classen, M. Moscoso, and L. Martinez of Cohort III
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North Bergen Science
Issue #11 Winter 2019
101 Apply to STEM Academy Cohort V The STEM Academy had a record-breaking application pool of 101 eighth grade students from all schools in the North Bergen School District and the Anna Klein School in Guttenberg. We are privileged to receive so many applications and are busy at work evaluating every student who applied. The accepted students will find out their statuses on Wednesday, January 30th and will be treated to a pizza party for accepted students in early February. If you are a parent, guidance counselor or teacher, and would like to see the application matrix we use to evaluate our students, feel free to go to the STEM Academy Page under Departments on the High School website.
Five-year Milestone Marks New Academy Logo! STEAM (STEM with Arts) is highly important to the Academy’s mission, and we encourage our students to pursue their passions outside of the STEM world. When STEM Academy first opened, a senior from the Class of 2015 created our logo. This year, Katherine Gonzalez organically changed the logo to mark our upcoming fifth anniversary. We want to take this opportunity to introduce the new North Bergen STEM Academy Logo, and to thank Katherine – a talented and inspiring artist. Follow her on Instagram at: littlekats_art
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