Jim Montesano

Assistant Principal for Student Achievement

              Hkackensack High School             

Home of the Comets

Dear Class of 2011

Congratulations on beginning your second half of high school! By now, you should know all the “ins and outs” of the campus. Also, you should have significantly expanded your academic knowledge and should be well-established in extracurricular activities. You should continue to take challenge courses while seriously studying for your college entrance exams. This year is arguably the hardest and most stressful year in high school. You are now a high school junior. And I would like to provide you with a few reminders:

Academics

Once again, as a high school junior, choose the most rigorous course load that you can handle. Take many Advanced Placement (AP) courses for personal gains and to impress colleges with your work ethic. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are accelerated courses that may allow students to earn college credit for performing satisfactorily on the accompanying AP Exams administered nationally every May. If Advanced Placement courses are not something you are interested in, there are also several Dual Credit opportunities.  Dual Credit courses afford you the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school.  And be sure to keep your grade point average as high as possible.

Extracurricular Activities

Throughout your junior year of high school, maintain a balance between in-school activities and out-of-school activities. An imbalance will surely cause you to be stressed. Continue playing the sport(s) you played last year, or consider trying out for other sports teams the high school has to offer. Stay a part of (or join) the school's band or any of the myriad clubs your school has to offer. Try holding leadership positions in your most favorite activities. Colleges love nothing more than committed students. And most importantly, be a part of activities that you truly enjoy.

 

Preparing for College

If you're a high achieving student, you're probably asking yourself, "What should I do to get into a top college?" Junior year is the year that most students begin taking their college entrance exams. Therefore, stay organized, and know when you will take the PSAT (fall) SAT or ACT (spring).  Also, finalize the list of colleges that interest you. This can be done through many online searches or by attending Hackensack High School’s college fair. During winter, spring, or summer break, plan on touring your prospective colleges, and note which visits were particularly appealing. Create a resume of your past and present achievements so that you may give them to your teachers when the time comes for them to write you college letters of recommendation.

Final Thoughts

Your high school experiences will undoubtedly be a milestone for you.  You will soon be adults.  Use your junior year of high school to cultivate your interests and take college entrance exams.  As a junior, sustain a positive presence in and out of the classroom and serve as a role model for our younger students.  Stay calm, work hard, be organized, and have fun!

Mr. Montesano

Grade 11 Assistant Principal