PHS students interested in furthering their studies in science got the opportunity to meet with like-minded students and start building their academic and professional network. The PHS ACS Chem Club hosted a Science Symposium on Wednesday, Dec. 17, which offered a glimpse into a pathways into science. Current PHS students got to hear from students and alumni who have completed research projects and internships and to learn about opportunities that could kickstart their future in science. The Chem Club, affiliated with the American Chemical Society, is guided by adviser Amina Elmahalawy.

Piscataway High School students got an extra shot of learning on Friday, Dec. 19, when the AP Ambassadors student group hosted an after-school tutoring session. Students went to breakout rooms for specific AP subject tutoring led by PHS AP teachers. AP Ambassadors is a diverse network of students with AP course experience who support and encourage the success of current and future advanced-level course participants at PHS. Thanks to social studies teacher Holly Cregar-Porch and counselor Rodney West for helping the students organize the tutoring event.

Members of the Future Educators Association at Piscataway High School took over the third-grade classrooms at Knollwood Elementary School to share age-appropriate lessons about finance and economics – while getting a good deal of experience teaching. The visit on Friday, Dec. 5, was part of the High School Heroes program through Junior Achievement, which provides the curriculum. Lessons include teaching community, collaboration, and basic economics through activities like building a city, understanding banks, jobs, and the free enterprise system. The third-graders delighted in making connections with their older peers and in taking part in games and creative learning activities. Knollwood was the first stop, but the PHS Future Educators will be visiting all the elementary schools as the year goes on. The Future Educators Club is guided by PHS English teacher Jillian Alonso and math teacher Briana Bennett.

Congratulation to Dr. Jeffrey Celebre, our supervisor of science K-8 and engineering, who was spotlighted on the website of the National Science Education Leadership Association as a leader in science education and our district.

Congratulations to PHS theater students who made their debut on the Paper Mill Playhouse stage. As part of the Paper Mill Playhouse Adopt-a-School program, students have been working with Paper Mill teaching artist Alexis Slade to write and devise their own play. They premiered the play at Arts Fest on Dec. 9, and performed with joy, artistry, and passion. Their play is about the experiences students have in school within social groups and finding their identity. They also got to connect with two Pway Arts alums who are now working at Paper Mill Playhouse: Najm Muhammad and Kira Harris. Thank you to theatre teacher Mike Yoson for coordinating these special experiences.