6th Grade Students Recognized for Outstanding LEAD Essays
The 6th grade students wrote a final essay about a LEAD lesson that made the biggest impact on them during their middle school years. After reviewing the submissions, the top eight essays were selected based on their strong writing and meaningful reflections. The winning students demonstrated thoughtful insight into the lessons they learned through the LEAD program and how those lessons have influenced their growth. In recognition of their achievement, each winner received a LEAD bag and water bottle. Congratulations to these students for their outstanding work and dedication!
The 6th grade students wrote a final essay about a LEAD lesson that made the biggest impact on them during their middle school years. After reviewing the submissions, the top eight essays were selected based on their strong writing and meaningful reflections. The winning students demonstrated thoughtful insight into the lessons they learned through the LEAD program and how those lessons have influenced their growth. In recognition of their achievement, each winner received a LEAD bag and water bottle. Congratulations to these students for their outstanding work and dedication!
Junior Workshop of The Arts
Students in the 4th and 5th Grade Soaring Enrichment Program attended the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented Programs (NJCGTP) Junior Workshop on the Arts Awards Ceremony on June 4 at Wildwood Elementary School in Mountain Lakes. As part of the competition, students were challenged to interpret, retell, or reinvent a myth through a chosen artistic discipline. JHS students showcased their creativity, talent, and hard work, earning seven awards across multiple categories. Congratulations to all of our participants for their outstanding achievements and for representing JHS with excellence!
Award Winners
Great Start
Shea Weiss — 2nd Place
Instrumental Music
Max Palmieri — 1st Place
Jeffrey Herrera — 2nd Place
Vocal Music
Sylvia Mandel — 1st Place
Costume Design
Carmella Rivera — 2nd Place
Set Design
Meghan Clear — 1st Place
Bastian Mencias Maldonado — 2nd Place
Students in the 4th and 5th Grade Soaring Enrichment Program attended the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented Programs (NJCGTP) Junior Workshop on the Arts Awards Ceremony on June 4 at Wildwood Elementary School in Mountain Lakes. As part of the competition, students were challenged to interpret, retell, or reinvent a myth through a chosen artistic discipline. JHS students showcased their creativity, talent, and hard work, earning seven awards across multiple categories. Congratulations to all of our participants for their outstanding achievements and for representing JHS with excellence!
Award Winners
Great Start
Shea Weiss — 2nd Place
Instrumental Music
Max Palmieri — 1st Place
Jeffrey Herrera — 2nd Place
Vocal Music
Sylvia Mandel — 1st Place
Costume Design
Carmella Rivera — 2nd Place
Set Design
Meghan Clear — 1st Place
Bastian Mencias Maldonado — 2nd Place
8th Graders Partake in Reflective Poetry Experience
As part of a meaningful end of year reflection activity, JHS eighth graders participated in the Guerrilla Haiku Experience, an opportunity to celebrate their memories and connections made throughout their time at John Hill School. Students traveled throughout the building, engaging classmates, teachers, and staff members in conversations about their experiences at JHS. Inspired by these interactions, they wrote haikus that captured special moments, lasting friendships, influential people, and memorable events from their middle school years. The activity concluded in the gymnasium, where students gathered to share and discuss their poems, reflecting on the impact that John Hill School has had on their lives and the memories they will carry with them into the future.
As part of a meaningful end of year reflection activity, JHS eighth graders participated in the Guerrilla Haiku Experience, an opportunity to celebrate their memories and connections made throughout their time at John Hill School. Students traveled throughout the building, engaging classmates, teachers, and staff members in conversations about their experiences at JHS. Inspired by these interactions, they wrote haikus that captured special moments, lasting friendships, influential people, and memorable events from their middle school years. The activity concluded in the gymnasium, where students gathered to share and discuss their poems, reflecting on the impact that John Hill School has had on their lives and the memories they will carry with them into the future.
School Spirit on Full Display at the Elementary and Middle School Field Days!
The weather cooperated for this year’s Elementary and Middle School Field Days at JHS! Students enthusiastically competed for their team colors while rotating through a variety of fun and unique station games that challenged their teamwork, skill, and school spirit. Laughter, friendly competition, and excitement filled the day as students cheered on their teammates and gave their best effort at every event. The festivities concluded with a classic tug of war showdown, bringing plenty of energy and excitement to the field. Congratulations to this year’s champions—the Gray Team for the Elementary School Field Day and the Red Team for the Middle School Field Day!
The weather cooperated for this year’s Elementary and Middle School Field Days at JHS! Students enthusiastically competed for their team colors while rotating through a variety of fun and unique station games that challenged their teamwork, skill, and school spirit. Laughter, friendly competition, and excitement filled the day as students cheered on their teammates and gave their best effort at every event. The festivities concluded with a classic tug of war showdown, bringing plenty of energy and excitement to the field. Congratulations to this year’s champions—the Gray Team for the Elementary School Field Day and the Red Team for the Middle School Field Day!
JHS 4th Graders Step Back In Time at The Boonton Historical Society
The 4th grade students recently took a walking field trip to the Boonton Historical Society, where they had the opportunity to learn about the rich history of their hometown. During the visit, students explored exhibits and discovered the stories of important individuals who helped shape Boonton into the community it is today. The experience brought local history to life and gave students a deeper appreciation for the people and events that have influenced their town over the years. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Katsakos for helping make this wonderful educational opportunity possible for our students.
The 4th grade students recently took a walking field trip to the Boonton Historical Society, where they had the opportunity to learn about the rich history of their hometown. During the visit, students explored exhibits and discovered the stories of important individuals who helped shape Boonton into the community it is today. The experience brought local history to life and gave students a deeper appreciation for the people and events that have influenced their town over the years. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Katsakos for helping make this wonderful educational opportunity possible for our students.
Visit to Washington D.C.
See more photos from this memorable trip for our 8th grade students.
Cast and Crew Gather To Celebrate the Success of The Sound of Music
The cast and crew of the JHS Drama Club celebrated the success of their production of The Sound of Music on Tuesday with a fun filled after show party. Students enjoyed pizza, sweet treats, and even a mini dance party as they reflected on all the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that went into putting on such an amazing performance. The celebration was a wonderful way for the cast and crew to recognize the friendships, memories, and accomplishments they shared throughout the season. A special thank you goes out to Mrs. Vecchio and Mrs. Beiermeister for their countless hours of time, support, and dedication to our students during the winter and spring months. Their commitment and passion helped make this production a tremendous success!
The cast and crew of the JHS Drama Club celebrated the success of their production of The Sound of Music on Tuesday with a fun filled after show party. Students enjoyed pizza, sweet treats, and even a mini dance party as they reflected on all the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that went into putting on such an amazing performance. The celebration was a wonderful way for the cast and crew to recognize the friendships, memories, and accomplishments they shared throughout the season. A special thank you goes out to Mrs. Vecchio and Mrs. Beiermeister for their countless hours of time, support, and dedication to our students during the winter and spring months. Their commitment and passion helped make this production a tremendous success!
April Earn Your Wings Recipients Announced
The John Hill School Earn Your Wings recipients for the month of April were recognized for being outstanding upstanders in our school community. These students were selected by their teachers for consistently demonstrating the core values of respect, responsibility, and kindness in their daily actions and interactions with others. Whether helping a classmate, showing leadership in the classroom, or making positive choices throughout the school day, each recipient has made a meaningful impact on our school community. Congratulations to all of our students who earned this special recognition. We are proud of the example you set for others each day!
The John Hill School Earn Your Wings recipients for the month of April were recognized for being outstanding upstanders in our school community. These students were selected by their teachers for consistently demonstrating the core values of respect, responsibility, and kindness in their daily actions and interactions with others. Whether helping a classmate, showing leadership in the classroom, or making positive choices throughout the school day, each recipient has made a meaningful impact on our school community. Congratulations to all of our students who earned this special recognition. We are proud of the example you set for others each day!
Spring Book Fair
Our PTA Spring Book Fair was a wonderful success, bringing excitement and enthusiasm to our school community. Students eagerly browsed the wide selection of books and were thrilled to pick out some of their favorite titles and new reading materials. The event fostered a love of reading while giving students the chance to build their personal libraries. We extend our sincere thanks to the PTA and all of the dedicated volunteers who gave their time throughout the week to ensure everything ran smoothly and that every student had the opportunity to purchase their favorites.
Our PTA Spring Book Fair was a wonderful success, bringing excitement and enthusiasm to our school community. Students eagerly browsed the wide selection of books and were thrilled to pick out some of their favorite titles and new reading materials. The event fostered a love of reading while giving students the chance to build their personal libraries. We extend our sincere thanks to the PTA and all of the dedicated volunteers who gave their time throughout the week to ensure everything ran smoothly and that every student had the opportunity to purchase their favorites.
6th Graders Debate in Social Studies Class
While studying Ancient Greece, the 6th graders were divided into two groups. The students were assigned to either Sparta or Athens. As they studied and researched topics such as location and population, government, military and allies, role of men and women, education, and cultural achievements the students became fiercely loyal to their city-state. During our Olympic games, Sparta took the lead with a win of 13 to 4, but in the end Athens won the debate with an overall score of 205 to 199 for Sparta. The students really did an excellent job and had so much fun while learning about the civilization of Ancient Greece.
While studying Ancient Greece, the 6th graders were divided into two groups. The students were assigned to either Sparta or Athens. As they studied and researched topics such as location and population, government, military and allies, role of men and women, education, and cultural achievements the students became fiercely loyal to their city-state. During our Olympic games, Sparta took the lead with a win of 13 to 4, but in the end Athens won the debate with an overall score of 205 to 199 for Sparta. The students really did an excellent job and had so much fun while learning about the civilization of Ancient Greece.
Middle School Choir Sings at The Somerset Patriots Game
The Middle School Choir had an exciting opportunity to perform at the Somerset Patriots game this week. After singing, students enjoyed time to relax and watch the game together, making the experience both rewarding and fun. This event provided a wonderful platform for our choir to showcase their talents and represent our school with pride. We extend our sincere thanks to Mrs. Manca for organizing this memorable trip and making it a reality for our students.
The Middle School Choir had an exciting opportunity to perform at the Somerset Patriots game this week. After singing, students enjoyed time to relax and watch the game together, making the experience both rewarding and fun. This event provided a wonderful platform for our choir to showcase their talents and represent our school with pride. We extend our sincere thanks to Mrs. Manca for organizing this memorable trip and making it a reality for our students.
Take Your Child To Work Day at JHS
JHS Take Your Child to Work Day was a tremendous success, offering our guests a meaningful glimpse into daily life at the school. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to experience firsthand what their parents and guardians do while at JHS, gaining a deeper appreciation for the roles they play in supporting our school community. From engaging classroom activities to behind-the-scenes insights, the day was both educational and enjoyable for all involved. A special thank you goes out to our dedicated teacher volunteers who led engaging classes for our visitors, as well as to our high school students whose support and leadership helped ensure the day ran smoothly.
JHS Take Your Child to Work Day was a tremendous success, offering our guests a meaningful glimpse into daily life at the school. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to experience firsthand what their parents and guardians do while at JHS, gaining a deeper appreciation for the roles they play in supporting our school community. From engaging classroom activities to behind-the-scenes insights, the day was both educational and enjoyable for all involved. A special thank you goes out to our dedicated teacher volunteers who led engaging classes for our visitors, as well as to our high school students whose support and leadership helped ensure the day ran smoothly.
Students For Change Host Basketball Tournament Fundraiser
Middle school students recently came together for their annual Students for Change Basketball Tournament, an event filled with energy, teamwork, and school spirit. Students had a great time showcasing their skills on the court while facing off against staff members in a series of friendly but competitive games. The evening brought the school community together, with plenty of excitement from players and spectators alike. Proceeds from the tournament will go toward supporting students participating in the upcoming 8th grade trip. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to make this memorable event such a success!
Middle school students recently came together for their annual Students for Change Basketball Tournament, an event filled with energy, teamwork, and school spirit. Students had a great time showcasing their skills on the court while facing off against staff members in a series of friendly but competitive games. The evening brought the school community together, with plenty of excitement from players and spectators alike. Proceeds from the tournament will go toward supporting students participating in the upcoming 8th grade trip. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to make this memorable event such a success!
4th Graders Visit Liberty Science Center
4th grade students from JHS recently took an exciting field trip to Liberty Science Center, where they immersed themselves in a day of discovery and exploration. During their visit, students had the opportunity to experience a wide range of interactive exhibits, engaging directly with hands-on science activities that brought classroom concepts to life. From experimenting with physics displays to exploring fascinating technology demonstrations, the trip offered something for everyone. Beyond the educational value, students especially enjoyed spending time with their classmates, sharing in the excitement and making lasting memories throughout the day.
4th grade students from JHS recently took an exciting field trip to Liberty Science Center, where they immersed themselves in a day of discovery and exploration. During their visit, students had the opportunity to experience a wide range of interactive exhibits, engaging directly with hands-on science activities that brought classroom concepts to life. From experimenting with physics displays to exploring fascinating technology demonstrations, the trip offered something for everyone. Beyond the educational value, students especially enjoyed spending time with their classmates, sharing in the excitement and making lasting memories throughout the day.
Junior TAG students enjoyed a trip to Curly's Ice Cream. They learned the inner workings of running an ice cream parlor works and even made their own ice cream!
3rd Grade STEM
Mrs. Kelly’s 3rd grade class recently took part in a fun and engaging STEM experiment as they explored the properties of water. Students investigated how many drops of water could fit on a single penny while learning about the scientific concepts of cohesion and surface tension. Carefully adding one drop at a time, the students were amazed to see the water form a raised dome on the penny before spilling over. This hands on activity helped bring science to life as students observed and predicted their results while discovering just how powerful the properties of water can be.
Mrs. Kelly’s 3rd grade class recently took part in a fun and engaging STEM experiment as they explored the properties of water. Students investigated how many drops of water could fit on a single penny while learning about the scientific concepts of cohesion and surface tension. Carefully adding one drop at a time, the students were amazed to see the water form a raised dome on the penny before spilling over. This hands on activity helped bring science to life as students observed and predicted their results while discovering just how powerful the properties of water can be.
5th Graders Dive Into the World of Decimals
Students in Mr. Sabatino's math class worked on building decimal amounts using base 10 blocks. The students used these materials as part of their lesson on adding and subtracting decimals. This allowed the students to physically see how the regrouping took place at each value. It was a great opportunity for these students to enjoy math in a hands-on way!
Students in Mr. Sabatino's math class worked on building decimal amounts using base 10 blocks. The students used these materials as part of their lesson on adding and subtracting decimals. This allowed the students to physically see how the regrouping took place at each value. It was a great opportunity for these students to enjoy math in a hands-on way!
Students Visit The Growing Stage Theatre
Students in Ms. Kiernan and Ms. Yamakaitis' classes had an exciting trip to The Growing Stage to watch the play Mesmerized. Through the performance, they learned about Benjamin Franklin and his niece's important contributions to science, seeing history come to life on stage. The play also demonstrated the scientific method in action, giving students a fun, engaging way to connect with science concepts. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, leaving inspired and entertained by the story and the performance!
Students in Ms. Kiernan and Ms. Yamakaitis' classes had an exciting trip to The Growing Stage to watch the play Mesmerized. Through the performance, they learned about Benjamin Franklin and his niece's important contributions to science, seeing history come to life on stage. The play also demonstrated the scientific method in action, giving students a fun, engaging way to connect with science concepts. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, leaving inspired and entertained by the story and the performance!
6th Graders in LEAD Build Skills to Stand Strong Against Peer Pressure
This week in LEAD, Officer Questa "led" students in learning about the power of peers and how to handle peer pressure. They practiced nine refusal strategies, including walking away, saying no, steering clear, making an excuse, and even becoming a “broken record.” To put their skills into action, students played a lively game of peer-pressure bingo, which led to great conversations and helped them feel more confident in making positive choices.
This week in LEAD, Officer Questa "led" students in learning about the power of peers and how to handle peer pressure. They practiced nine refusal strategies, including walking away, saying no, steering clear, making an excuse, and even becoming a “broken record.” To put their skills into action, students played a lively game of peer-pressure bingo, which led to great conversations and helped them feel more confident in making positive choices.
Workshop of the Arts
Students in 6-8th grade participated in the annual Workshop on the Arts run by the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented at the Unitarian Fellowship in Morristown this week. On the first day, students attended workshops run by industry professionals in dance, acting, creative writing, set design, instrumental music, and vocal music. Then, they were placed into performance groups with students form various other districts. Each group was tasked with creating a 2-5 minute skit, incorporating all the disciplines, and based on the scenario of a sea captain and his crew entering into an underwater adventure. Students had a blast and demonstrated great Boonton pride through all their hard work and creative expression!
Students in 6-8th grade participated in the annual Workshop on the Arts run by the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented at the Unitarian Fellowship in Morristown this week. On the first day, students attended workshops run by industry professionals in dance, acting, creative writing, set design, instrumental music, and vocal music. Then, they were placed into performance groups with students form various other districts. Each group was tasked with creating a 2-5 minute skit, incorporating all the disciplines, and based on the scenario of a sea captain and his crew entering into an underwater adventure. Students had a blast and demonstrated great Boonton pride through all their hard work and creative expression!
