On September 17th, we had a very successful Back-to-School Night where we observed the VHS Choir and Band perform for a packed crowd of parents and students. In the Learning Commons, students were demonstrating the many different clubs and activities that are available to students at VHS. There was a Genesis Parent Portal help desk in the Learning Commons for parents needing help with our student information system. Our teachers, guidance, and CST spent the evening talking with parents about their course and answering questions about this school year. Thank you to everyone who made this a magical night.
During my Back-to-School Night presentation, I spent a portion of the night discussing grit and how grit is an ingredient for success. I encourage you to please view the entire TED video below. I believe that every child has the ability to do more than they believe is possible. Our collective mission is to help students believe and understand that hard word and perseverance is a key to success. Additionally, during Back-to-School Night, I asked parents to fill out a survey and in the slideshow below the results of this survey has been shared with you. The survey showed me that overall, you believe your children will use technology in college and that technology will play a critical component in creating an environment where students will be successful.
This week, we opened up the WiFi for students so that they may use their own device without accessing their data plan. This approach is allowing our students to use devices and the Google Apps for Education to complete assignments, collaborate with peers, and to conduct research.
I am proud to announce that more students than ever are arriving to school on-time! Teachers have told me that they are starting their class promptly at 7:55 AM and that instructional time within Verona High School is increasing.
Mr. Wertz is currently working to enroll students in his Khan Academy SAT Prep group. Mr. Wertz has told me that more than 50 students are already enrolled in this class and we are encouraging all students to enroll in this SAT prep opportunity. Students are also encouraged to go to the Learning Commons during their lunch and study hall to participate in Khan Academy for SAT prep.
Having people from the private sector come to Verona High School is a key component to helping open the world to our students. This also helps students gain a greater understanding of what people do for a living and if they may be interested in doing something similar as a career opportunity or college major. Mrs. Salisbury, has been working diligently to acquire guest speakers to come to Verona High School this school year. This week, Ms. Watrous-de Versterre, from NJIT, came to VHS to discuss careers in computer science. Mrs. Salisbury is organizing more of these events throughout the school year and your child is encouraged to attend.
This week I have created four advisory councils whose purpose it is to have conversations with school administrators so that they can provide input on how we can make Verona High School a better school for everyone. Currently, there are (2) two Student Advisory Councils and (2) two Faculty Advisory Councils. I look forward to listening to their feedback and using their input to make Verona High School better because of their participation. Thank you to all students and faculty members who volunteered to be a part of these committees.
These are just a few of the great things happening at Verona High School. I know the next few weeks are going to be even better. Please continue to follow me on Twitter: @PrincipalVerona, and I look forward to seeing you at a school event.
-Mr. Cogdill
I love this school! Go Verona! @VeronaSuper @Lancaster_Thoma @myveronanj @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/MUJOG7pYTY
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 26, 2015
Verona HS Girl's Volleyball! @Lancaster_Thoma @VeronaSuper @myveronanj @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/CsRxImWEwi
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 24, 2015
Verona Cheerleaders! @VeronaSuper @Lancaster_Thoma @myveronanj @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/hjp948VWui
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 26, 2015
Verona vs. Glen Ridge! Go Verona! @VeronaSuper @Lancaster_Thoma @myveronanj @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/fjstICVuso
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 26, 2015
Verona up 7-0 at the start of the 2nd Q! @VeronaSuper @Lancaster_Thoma @myveronanj @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/3KShYFYjGH
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 26, 2015
Touchdown scoring music! @VeronaSuper @Lancaster_Thoma @VCG_Times @myveronanj @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/k0JbtQSjYo
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 26, 2015
Verona HS Choir at Back-to-School Night! @Lancaster_Thoma @VeronaSuper @myveronanj @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/Cnqa5S4m73
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 20, 2015
Back to School Night at Verona HS. Drums! @VeronaSuper @myveronanj @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG @Lancaster_Thoma pic.twitter.com/Dp7DwjS45D
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 18, 2015
Back to School Night! @myveronanj @VeronaSuper @VCG_Times @TAPintoVCG pic.twitter.com/h2h4IHyk29
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 17, 2015
Mrs. Ma's Choir class during zero period at 7:15 AM. Great Acoustics! @myveronanj @VCG_Times @VeronaSuper pic.twitter.com/QE7Ax7CPyr
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 17, 2015
Mr. Scott's class learning different elements release different colors of light when losing energy. @VCG_Times pic.twitter.com/8VX5DzE998
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 18, 2015
Verona HS Back-to-School Night - A student singing National Anthem, beautiful! @VeronaSuper @myveronanj @VCG_Times pic.twitter.com/qKgsWfXQZ6
— Josh Cogdill (@PrincipalVerona) September 20, 2015