Wildcats Shine in Quarter Two

Quarter Two brought a full season of learning and celebration for our Wildcats. In the classroom, students stretched their thinking in many directions. Seventh-grade math students launched a stock market game with real-time trading practice, while middle school classes connected math, science, and ELA through emotional arc graphs, temperature data, and discussions of classic myths. Spanish one students turned the hallway into a cultural fair, sharing holiday traditions from Spanish-speaking countries. Education pathway students heard from a guest speaker about careers in administration, behavior support, and educational technology, and a high school student teacher brought interactive technology into a second-grade E.L.A. unit on plants and animals in their habitats. Italian language students connected online with local schools to practice conversation and exchange perspectives, and our Stemposium team began planning how to solve a world-saving science scenario.

Student leadership and academic excellence were on display all quarter. The NMHS chapter of Mu Alpha Theta welcomed new members, and junior leaders represented Naples at the Junior Leadership Seminar, where they learned to debate, collaborate, and plan projects to benefit the school and community. NJ ROTC cadets earned the Unit Achievement Award, competed in the JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl, hosted a middle school honor roll celebration, and welcomed visiting speakers to share college and ROTC pathways. Cadets were recognized throughout the quarter as Cadets of the Month, and plans moved forward for the DODA Europe South Drill PT and Academic Championship at Naples. Seniors and their families received important updates on graduation, senior recognition ads, yearbook deadlines, and the upcoming senior trip.

Athletics and activities kept school spirit high. Fall sports wrapped up with highlights in golf, cheer, tennis, volleyball, football, and cross country, including a European championship for boys' cross country and a strong first season in a new football division. Homecoming week brought spirit dress-up days, a powder puff game, a pep rally, and a dance, thanks to the student council. Winter sports then took over, with basketball opening on the road and at home, cheerleaders energizing the crowd, and boys and girls wrestling teams earning top finishes at home meets and on trips to Vilseck and Vicenza.

The arts and activities community added even more reasons to celebrate. AVID huddles featured gratitude notes, team building, and holiday fun, while students thanked staff with sidewalk art messages. The high school choir presented a medieval-style winter madrigal concert, and PTSA launched Coin Clash fundraising and planned a middle school dance. JROTC organized a winter festival with games, treats, and photos with Santa. Throughout the quarter, the yearbook staff reached the halfway point in this year's book and invited families to share photos from holidays, travels, and school events to preserve these memories.

Health, wellness, and student support also remained a priority. Vision and hearing screenings were announced for seventh and tenth-grade students, and families received information about school photos, makeup picture day, and how to order yearbooks or arrange mailing for those who will move before distribution. Across academics, activities, athletics, and service, Quarter Two showed once again how our Wildcats learn, lead, and support one another every day.