Over the course of the summer we were busy completing our yearly technology upgrades and building maintenance projects to ensure that when students and teachers returned to their classrooms everything was running smoothly, and that all of our systems were fully up to date.
Annual updates span across district-wide departments and all schools. To begin, the Tech Department worked on installing the latest OS version, cleaning up the hard drives, and installing software updates on classroom computers as per teachers’ requests. We also ensured the Smartboard and Nuc functionality was checked and updated in classrooms, and made sure that all new Chromebooks were inventoried, tagged, enrolled in the Google admin console, and connected to HCST wireless network. Laptops were prepared with the necessary software and connected to the HCST network for new staff members, and login and email accounts created for new staff and students. A file import preparation was executed for the State’s Fall Start Strong Assessment ELA 6-10, Math 6-8, and Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry, as well as photo ID printing for all students in the district, and we updated the workflow of Work Based Learning and Internship applications. We created an online form for guidance counselors to provide SAT Fee Waivers to eligible students, worked with the Transportation Department to update the school bus stops based on responses from the back-to-school packet, and finalized student schedules for the 2022-2023 school year.
At the EWB Center, we replaced the 8-year-old server and storage environment with a modern HPe server and storage solution to increase the speed and availability of files and applications. The wireless controller was upgraded to the latest version and all wireless access points were replaced to allow for support of the faster and most recent iteration of the Wi-Fi network protocol WiFi 6. Lastly, a new core switch and a new switch in each network closet was installed to accommodate the power requirements of the new access points. The rest of the switches will be replaced as new ones are delivered.
At Explore Middle School, all the 8-year-old wireless access points were replaced with new ones that support the latest wireless technology WiFi 6, 50 percent of the network switches were replaced and the remaining will be replaced as they are delivered, and the WAN connectivity between Explore and EWB Center was doubled from 1GB to 2GB.
STEAM Camp at Explore Middle School
This summer Explore Middle school incoming and current students participated in a STEAM Summer Innovation Camp, led by STEAM/Arts Partners in Education along with our Explore Staff. During the Camp, the students participated in STEAM community activity project-based lessons using the Engineering Design Process (EDP), Rocket Launch Pad project-based lessons that include math & science,... Continue reading→
County Prep Hosts Summer STEM Camp
County Prep/ATD High School hosted its second summer STEM Camp this year at the Earl W. Byrd Center, from July 11th - July 28th. This year's program featured frog dissections, rocket design and propulsion, as well as activities in the hydroponics lab. Students got to spend three weeks honing their science, technology, engineering and math... Continue reading→
Music Performance and Recording Summer Camp
Students in the HCST Music and Audio Technology Program participated in a two week Summer Camp that exposed them to hands-on, collaborative music and production experiences at the EWBC. During the first week, students worked on songwriting arrangements and performance. By the end of the week students set up the studio for the process of... Continue reading→
Summer Film Camp 2022
This year we gathered eleven students to partake in a Summer Film Camp where we worked collaboratively with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. We joined forces to teach students video editing skills as well as expose them to various important health and safety topics by having students edit various filmed clips into informational videos. The... Continue reading→
Summer Fun Fit Teaches Students To Build Healthy Habits
This summer’s Fun Fit Program, led by Adam Fitzgibbons, FunFit Lead Coordinator & HTHS Physical Education Instructor, had the largest student enrollment to date! Students from every school in the district participated, learning about the importance of discipline and accountability, as well as how to create healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle. They also had... Continue reading→
Theatre Tech Summer Programs Prepare Students for Careers
This summer the Theatre Tech Department was hard at work finding new ways to create opportunities for our students to find positions working as stage technicians in the field, including establishing a partnership with the IATSE Local 59, with whom we have created a two part internship program. Through this program, students will train with... Continue reading→
Summer at the HCST Transportation Department
Just because the school year wasn’t in session doesn’t mean that the HCST Transportation Department has been on vacation. We’ve been hard at work running routes for the District’s summer programs in Jersey City and Secaucus like Fun Fit, LEAP Programs, and many others for kids in the district that all run through the month... Continue reading→
Student Support & Mental Health Summer and Upcoming Programs
The summer enrichment program continues to be a success because of the support from all Child Study Team members, County Prep Guidance Counselors and teaching staff. The Summer Enrichment Camp afforded students the opportunity to further develop their academic and social emotional skills. The upcoming 12th graders participated in the SAT Prep Program that enhanced... Continue reading→