Deadline Fast Approaching for Hoboken's PUBLIC (free) Charter School Lotteries

For all those interested in entering the lottery for Hoboken's Public (free) Charter Schools. Keep in mind, the reason why there is a lottery is because the demand exceeds the seating capacity of each of these charter schools. 

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 Hoboken families are encouraged to learn more and apply to enter the lottery for the city’s public charter schools – Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa), Elysian Charter School and Hoboken Charter School. The three public schools are free, open to all Hoboken residents and do not have any entrance testing requirements. Because demand exceeds available seats, students are randomly selected for entrance to the schools through a lottery system. All three schools offer a weighted preference for Hoboken families who live in public or subsidized housing or receive public benefits. The collective deadline to apply to the three public charter school lotteries ends January 11th, 2024 at 5pm. 

Learn more below:

Elysian Charter School: www.ecsnj.org

Hoboken Charter School: www.hobokencs.org

Hoboken Dual Language Charter School: www.holahoboken.org

Hoboken's HoLa Dual Language School Exceeds at Brown University's Science Olympiad Invitational AND is Recognized by the New Jersey School Board Association with a School Leader Award for 2023; Hoboken District Schools Continue to Flounder Under Johnson

Congratulations to these middle schoolers from the Hola Dual Language School in Hoboken, NJ. These students brought home 13 medals including several top-three finishes at the Brown University Science Olympiad Invitational.

Earlier this week, Hola was recognized by the New Jersey School Board Association with a School Leader Award for 2023. The award is formal recognition for HoLa as a leader in dual-language programs in New Jersey. 

HoLa continues to enjoy diverse and independent recognition for school success. Unfortunately, it is too bad the rest of the Hoboken Public School district is rather disappointing. As an example, some might remember recent revelations that Superintendent Johnson professionally and personally misrepresented herself about having a doctorate for well over a decade. Others might recall a recent US News and World Report showing that over half of the high school students are reading below grade level; only 8% of all students were proficient in Algebra; and 1% of students were found to be proficient in Science.

 

The Mathematics of a Resiliency Park- Does Holding 400,000 Gallons of Water Impact the Flooding Impact of 17,400,000 Gallons of Water?

Real world application of mathematics and science are consistent with national STEM reform efforts. Such skills also are consistent with better informed citizens who are often asked to participate in critical infrastructure efforts. 

One current example involves the chronic flooding in Hoboken, NJ. Some will recall, Hoboken was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy and still floods often and regularly. 

The city has implemented a number of efforts over the year (water gardens for example). One effort is the notion of a resiliency park where rainwater would be retained in large underground containers during heavy rain events. Will these efforts be effective? One way to look at this question is via mathematics and science rather than by public relation campaigns. 

Here is how a middle to high school problem may be posed centering around a problem which attempts to mitigate flooding. 

Question: A new park in a city will include underground infrastructure to withhold 400,000+ gallons of rain to reduce flooding. If the town is one square mile, how significant is this infrastructure in reducing the chance of flooding?

Note: The amount of rain considered to be capable of flooding is roughly in an hour can vary depending on the location and the type of precipitation. However, generally, rainfall rates of 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) or more per hour are considered heavy or intense, and may cause flash flooding and other hazards

Mathematical Calculation: A rainfall of 1 inch over square mile is equal to 17,400,000 gallons of water. A resiliency park capable of holding 400,000 gallons of water would represent 2.29% of the rainfall that falls during a 1 inch rainfall

Answer: Please assess the relative effectiveness of this resiliency park. 

Additional Information: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/hoboken/sections/green/articles/have-your-say-hoboken-residents-invited-to-take-800-monroe-resiliency-park-survey

https://patch.com/new-jersey/hoboken/no-pool-you-can-still-choose-plan-800-monroe-st-hoboken

Presinzano wins Hoboken 1st Ward Council Seat

Paul Presinzano is now the councilman-elect in Hoboken’s 1st Ward, winning the first runoff in the Mile Square City since 2009 by an unofficial tally of 692 to 529.

John Hines of Hudson County View reports: (full article) 

This was the first runoff election since Peter Cammarano defeated Dawn Zimmer for the mayor’s seat in 2009. Thanks to Operation Bid Rig, Zimmer would become the acting mayor about a month later when Cammarano was arrested on corruption charges.

Presinzano lost decisively in the 2021 council-at-large races where he ran on a slate without a mayoral candidate, however, he remained involved on the political scene ever since and announced a 1st Ward council run in January.

He took the fight to Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the administration on countless occasions, eventually drawing an opponent in Rafi Cordova – the chair of the rent leveling and stabilization board.

Cordova announced on May 18th with the support of Bhalla and former 1st Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano, who lost to current local representative Mike DeFusco in 2015.

DeFusco announced he wasn’t seeking re-election on May 2nd, prompting Cordova to jump in the race shortly thereafter.

While Presinzano fell just short of 50 percent plus one on November 7th, a contest that also included former Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini – who came in a distant third – he managed to come out on top again this evening

Cordova received 10 less votes in the runoff than he received in November, 2023. 

Council Runoff Results

Here are the unofficial results as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, as reported by the county of Hudson. 

• Paul Presinzano: 692
• Rafi Cordova: 529
• TOTAL: 1,221

6,264 people are listed on the registered voter rolls in the 1st Ward.

For comparison, these were the official results from the three-way race last month:

Former Hoboken Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Miguel Hernandez Passes Away at 58

Sad news about former Hoboken Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Hernandez.

Hernández, a native of Keyport and a resident of Middletown Township, died late last week at a hospital in Red Bank. He was 58.

Hernández, who held a doctorate in education leadership, served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

In February 2021, Hernández released a 104-page book titled “Letters from My Students” to encourage teachers and those aspiring to enter the profession during the pandemic.

Hernández was a standout athlete for the Red Raiders of Keyport High School, shining on the gridiron and the wrestling mat. He graduated with the Class of 1984.

Hernández is survived by his wife of 15 years, Janine Hopkins Hernández, and his father, Hipólito Hernández. He had four brothers and two sisters, according to his obituary.

A funeral Mass was scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 376 Maple Place in Keyport. 

STORY: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/haledon/2023/11/13/manchester-regional-high-school-haledon-nj-mourning-loss-former-superintendent-miguel-hernandez/71567329007/?fbclid=IwAR3VgoIfMiEvyIB3OFju-katcAWB6cNi8hyD5it-_879UAXPBI9RLxU5gL4

‘Moms for Progress’ team sweeps Hoboken Board of Education race-By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Hudson County View reporting that The “Moms for Progress” ( Kids First legacy) slate swept the Hoboken Board of Education race in a largely uneventful contest that saw four candidates running for three, three-year terms.

The “Moms Leading Progress” Hoboken Board of Education slate: From left to right: Trustee-elect Sheillah Dallara, Trustee Chetali Khanna, and Trustee Sharyn Angley, the board president. Instagram photo.

Trustee Chetali Khanna was the top vote getter with 3,754, BOE President Sharyn Angley was right behind her at 3,704. Their running mate, Sheillah Dallara, received 3,590 votes, according to preliminary tallies from the Hudson County Clerk’s Office.

Dallara, who opted not to seek re-election last year after winning three-year terms in 2016 and 2019, ran in place of Trustee Melanie Tekirian, who coincidentally also decided not to run again after two terms in office.

Meanwhile, Angley and Khanna ran unopposed in 2020 with Tekirian as the “Hoboken Together” team.

This time around, their only opponent was perennial candidate Pat Waiters, who had some success, notching 2,539 votes, but leaving her just under a thousand votes from a board seat.

She was also on the ballot in the 2nd Ward council race, but she received only 65 votes, stating last month that she was going to focus on the BOE contest.

The school board race was largely absent of conflict this time around, with one of the only notable moments being when Trustee Ailene McGuirk endorsed the Moms Leading Progress slate and questioned why Waiters had campaign literature suggesting to write McGuirk in.

New Jersey Awards $41M to 243 School Districts for Tutoring- Hoboken District and Hoboken Charter Receive Awards

Trenton, New Jersey – The New Jersey Department of Education today announced approximately $41 million in preliminary grant awards for the implementation of High Impact Tutoring in approximately 240 New Jersey school districts to implement highly effective, evidence-based strategies that promote learning acceleration among students.

High Impact Tutoring is designed to enable school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects, to work with educational service vendors, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities to provide tutoring services at scale and provide educational assistance to students. School districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects are also able to utilize existing staff for specific tutoring programs outside of regular classroom instruction.

Full list of NJ District to receive funds: https://www.nj.gov/education/news/2023/NJDOEAnnouncesHighImpactTutoringGrants.pdf

The bid process requires districts to gain local school board approval, publicize their needs, advertise for 20 days and choose tutoring firms. In addition, tutoring firms will need time to hire and train additional tutors and run security checks. About 340 districts applied for the grants; those requesting more than $32,000 must solicit bids from tutoring companies that can provide the services.

Full story: https://www.nj.com/education/2023/11/state-awards-41m-to-243-districts-for-tutoring-is-yours-among-them.html

Hoboken Dual Language School Becomes First Charter School to Receive School Leader Award for 2023- Executive Director Jen Sargent Also Recognized and Honored

As many regular readers of this blog know, I was an original Board member of the Hola Dual Language School and proudly served in that capacity for over a decade. It is wonderful to see this public school thriving and becoming a model school and program not only in Hoboken or in New Jersey but nationally. Congratulations to the Founder and Executive Direct Jennifer Sargent for her leadership and vision. -Dr. Petrosino 

The Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) has become the first charter school to receive the School Leader Award from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) for 2023. The announcement came on Monday, Sept. 25.

HoLa is a K-8 dual language public charter school in Hoboken with more than 415 students. Students predominantly join HoLa in kindergarten and, regardless of language background, spend 90 percent of their day in Spanish-speaking classrooms in the early grades. Students gradually receive increasing amounts of instruction in English as they get older, and by 4th grade, instruction is 50 percent Spanish and 50 percent English.

HoLa was specifically recognized for the successful launch of its AP Spanish program in Middle School, an initiative that has enriched the educational experience of its students.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire HoLa community,” said Jen Sargent, HoLa’s executive director and co-founder. “We are honored to be recognized by the NJSBA for our innovative programs and our commitment to student success. This remarkable success stems from the unique experience our students receive, starting in kindergarten, where they seamlessly master the art of reading and writing in both Spanish and English.”

Hola Graduation 2023
Executive Director Jen Sargent far right

HoLa’s School Leader Award will be presented to their leadership team at a Hudson County School Boards Association (HCSBA) event on Nov. 28. The school will also be featured in the NJSBA School Leader magazine later this year, showcasing the school’s efforts. HoLa is the only free public Spanish / English dual language charter school in the state.

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Read the full story at: https://www.nj.com/hudson/2023/10/hola-becomes-first-charter-school-to-receive-school-leader-award.html?fbclid=IwAR3w-VzhnoPOL1ouwa83jYHrQtMYLFtXzdIRQG4YxxhEe2E9DG5f9vRs-go

Algebra I Scores in Hoboken Show No Growth and No Advancement

Algebra I* scores in the Hoboken School District along 3 different time points- 2015, 2021, and 2023-24. Little to no growth. Little to no advancement. No accountability. Easy to claim things are "going well"--and "getting better" and "leading progress" but the data shows a much different story. Research shows students who complete higher levels of math in high school experience lower rates of unemployment and receive higher salaries, on average, than their less-accomplished peers.

2015 Algebra I Scores- Hoboken

2021 Algebra I Scores- Hoboken 

2023-24 Algebra I Scores- Hoboken 

What does this actually mean for Hoboken High School? Here's an example: There are roughly 450 students in the high school. Almost all must take Algebra I. An 8% proficiency rate means there are roughly 36 students leaving the high school with grade level understanding of Algebra I and 414 who are not. And the data charts posted above show this has been ongoing at least since 2015. 

Please note, this is a district with a 13:1 student teacher ratio, $27,000 per student, and 20% of student families qualifying for Free or Reduced lunch (see demographic data below). 

It is doubtful anyone can find another district in the country that exhibits this type of educational outcomes with these types of resources.

Hoboken District Demographic Data
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Hoboken District Free or Reduced Lunch 
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In conclusion, Higher levels of math achievement benefit you in the labor market regardless of whether you graduate high school. James notes that the earnings gap between high school grads with high and low math is about 10% — the same return, he says, as comes from one year of college.

* This includes any students who were enrolled in an Algebra I course and took the Algebra I assessment in grades 7 through 12. Students in sixth grade who were enrolled in Algebra I course during the 2021-22 school year were required to take both the Algebra I and Grade 6 mathematics assessment. The results of their Algebra I assessment are not included in these results but will be reported when the student in in grade 9.

HOBOKEN BOARD OF EDUCATION ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR ENDEDJUNE 30, 2022

 Embedded is the 2022 Hoboken School District Financial Report. Of special interest to many might be Chart J-18 (p. 181) which has school by school information on square footage, student capacity, and student enrollment (see Figure 1). 

DIRECT LINK: https://www.scribd.com/document/677603944/Hoboken-ACFR-Report-Financial-Report-2022

Hoboken ACFR Report Financial Report 2022 by Tony Petrosino on Scribd

Figure 1: Chart J-18 - p.181
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Hoboken City Council Candidates Debates Schedule October 6th (Wards 1, 3, 5) and October 9th (Wards 2, 4, 6)

In person: The Tech Flex Center is the University’s primary event space. It can host large events with 600 guests lecture-style and 425 guests at round tables. This space is equipped with modern technology and can also be divided into three equally sized event rooms to host multiple events at one time. 

Facebook: Facebook.com/hudsoncountyview LINK: https://www.facebook.com/hudsoncountyview

 

Presentation: 2023 PME-NA Conference - ESTABLISHING STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR COMPARISONS USING PATTERN-BASED ITEMS: CHANGE AT SCALE

I recently presented a paper at the 2023 North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education Conference in Reno, Nevada. 

The conference theme is Engaging All Learners. Math learning should be a joyful experience for all students. When students are engaged and inspired, they are motivated to learn. Instruction that targets the learning needs and interests of our students makes it possible for students to excel in learning math. At our annual meeting, we will explore how to create conditions to support learning that build on student engagement and interest.

• How can we engage all students to learn math content by building on their interest and motivation to learn?
• How do we design learning environments that take students and learning into account?
• What are the design features of tools and curricula design features considering student engagement and interest in supporting learning?
• How do we build partnerships with schools and the community to support student engagement and math learning?
• What research agendas should we pursue to ensure that all students reach their potential by paying attention to engagement and learning needs?

Establishing Statistical Significance for Comparisons Using Pattern-Based Items: Change at Scale

Abstract: Tests of statistical significance often play a decisive role in establishing the empirical warrant of evidence-based research in education. The results from pattern-based assessment items, as introduced in this paper, are categorical and multimodal and do not immediately support the use of measures of central tendency as typically related to interpretations of measures of statistical significance. Responses from the duplicate implementation of selected pattern-based items (PBIs) in successive grades (3-8) as part of the statewide Interim Assessment Program in Texas are used to illustrate how non-parametric methods can be used to establish statistically significant comparisons of student results. Not all the repeat-item results improved across years.

Link to presentation: https://tinyurl.com/27hr86zv

Link to the full paper: https://tinyurl.com/mrt7d5m8

Reference: Stroup, W. A., Petrosino, A. J., Brady, C., and Duseau, K. (October, 2023). Establishing Statistical Significance for Comparisons Using Pattern-Based Items: Change at Scale. Proceedings of the 2023 Meeting of the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Reno, Nevada.