Three Cheers for the Renata....

Hey Readers.




WOW! As you may or may not have heard, Renata A. Hernandez was voted in as President of the Board of Education.

Renata is a lifelong resident of Plainfield and graduate of PHS Class of 1984. She is a wife and the mother of Milani Hernandez who currently attends Plainfield Academy of Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS). She is a tireless youth advocate and is currently serving on the Plainfield Youth Council – Youth Summit 2011, and lead-mentor/co-founder of a young girls mentoring program; Tiaras to Crowns (a CFGC Outreach Ministry). She is committed to establishing more opportunities to forge stronger links between the district and the community.

Renata holds dual-degrees in Business Administration and Marketing; Magna Cum Laude, as well as a Masters in Business Administration.

Renata served on the Board of Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) from 2007-2009, and is probably most noted for her outspoken advocacy both voiced and penned through her blog – Peptalk: Revisited. She still continues to voice her opinion on her new Blog – Standing in the Gap for Plainfield Public Schools (http://standinginthegapforpps.blogspot.com/). She was also the treasurer for the PTO at Cedarbrook Elementary School for 3 years, and prior to her appointment to the Board of Education, served as the President of the PTO at PAAAS.

As President of the Plainfield Board of Education, Renata is determined to help develop a solid infrastructure based on the principles of integrity and comprised of effective policies, community and parental involvement, and a rigorous curriculum that will work together to produce 21st Century prepared Plainfield Public School Students. She has also made it very clear, that "WE WILL BE REFOCUSING ON THE YOUTH."

MY PERSPECTIVE: I am so happy for Renata. I knew she would get President sooner or later, and I think she deserves it. I can honestly say, from working with her on the Community "IN" Schools Committee that she is an absolute wonderful person, and is someone who really cares about the students of Plainfield. I can't wait to see what things she has planned, that will change the District for the better. The Leadership Project @ Jefferson is behind you each and every step of the way.

COMING UP NEXT: World Language Teachers, Next to go? Are you serious? Only here at A Student's Perspective will you find out what I think about this whole thing. Stay tuned,

With You For Leadership,

Vashon L. Hill

PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project @ Jefferson School

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

In Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

BREAKING NEWS

Good Morning Readers.




As you may or may not have heard. Osama Bin Laden, has been killed, and is in the US Custody.




MY PERSPECTIVE: I am very sure that the Families who have lost ones on 9/11, are pleased and happy that Osama has been brought to Justice. President Obama confirmed that Osama has been killed, last night at around 11:30pm EST. However, US Citizens are concerned about Terrorists wanting to retaliate against the US, time will only tell. People were seen cheering "USA, USA, USA." People are also seen cheering and rallying in front of the White House. I honestly, don't think we should be celebrating. We should accept that has happened, and move on. Would they come back and retaliate? Are we prepared for something of that nature to happen? Stayed tuned for the lastest on this news. I'd like to hear what you think, comment as you see fit or e-mail me your opinions to slhill.lp@gmail.com.




Have A Good Day,



Vashon L. Hill


PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project




"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"


VLHill/TLPP

The Wrap-Up

Hi Readers! I hope you enjoyed that story on Maritza Franco. Friday Night, The Plainfield Public Schools hosted the First Multicultural Festival. As a Community "In" Schools Committee Member, I thought the event went very well. It took us about 8 months to get things prepared. THE EVENT: The event started off with everyone getting their name tags, Raffle Tickets and finding a table to sit at. After that, the event was kicked off by Renata A. Hernandez, BOE Member/Community Chairperson and Miguelina Gil-Landisi, District ESL Teacher/LASO Advisor. Followed by the Opening, we all watched a Short Film that was put together by the PAAAS Student Community; that was ABSOLUTELY great! The M&M Ice Breaker was after that, each Table recieved M&M's and each color symbolized something. We had dinner, and then moved downstairs for the Zumba Dance. That Dance was coordinated by Evergreen Teacher Ana Ramos, and the students of Evergreen School. They did a GREAT Job leading everyone in the dance. The Event was absolutely great, we had a GREAT time and on behalf of the Committee we THANK YOU all for showing up. Community "In" Schools Committee - Thank You all for a GREAT Event. I had a great time working with you all. Renata Hernandez, BOE Member and Committee Chairperson; Keisha Edwards, BOE Member and Committee Co-Chairperson; Miguelina Gil-Landisi, District Teacher and LASO Advisor; Scot R. Burkholder, Jefferson School Principal; Danice Stone, SFSS; Doris Cera, District Teacher and LASO Advisor; Eric Jones, PPS Administrator; Carmen S., Angels In Action Special Thanks- Without your help, it would not have been possible. Plainfield High School Woodshop Teacher: Mr. Cheung, District Teacher and Leadership Project Director: Shawn R. Colletta, Interim Superintendent: Anna Belin-Pyles, PHS Librarian: Anita Kaur, The Wonderful and very Helpful: BOE Custodial Staff, PAAAS Principal: Angela Bento, PAAAS TV Production Class and Teacher: Christopher Paskewich, The Leadership Project @ Jefferson School Members: Vice President Sameerah R. Jones, Secretary Delmis Hernandez, Johanne Corado, Christian Ojeda, Erick Ojeda, Isabel Sanchez, Joel Mercado, Thalia Mercado, Silvia Jerez, Kevin Condezo and Tamara Basantes. Lastly, Sodexho Food Services

And, we can't forget Councilor Rebecca Williams, Councilor Adrian Mapp, Councilor Cory Storch, and BOE Member Wilma G. Campbell and John Campbell; thank you to them for coming out and showing us some support.

MY PERSPECTIVE: I thought the event went well, we had a GREAT turn out and I was pleased with the event. I want to also acknowledge Dee Demaron. Dee is running for Councilwoman-At-Large, First and Fourth Wards. She said some very encouraging and positive words to me, that just made my night. Thank You Dee, it was greatly appreciated.

With You For Leadership,

Vashon L. Hill

PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project @Jefferson School

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

In Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

A Teacher of the 21st Century

Hi Readers, this week I interviewed Maritza Franco. A World Language Teacher at my school; Union Catholic Regional High School.

She’s funny, creative, and witty. Her name is Maritza Franco. She’s a World Language Teacher at Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. 1.) Question: How long have you been teaching? Answer: I have been teaching for the past 12 years. This is my 3rd Year here at UC. 2.) Question: What did you do before teaching? Answer: Before teaching I worked in cargo sales, sold the spaces of cargo onboard passenger aircraft for American Airlines, and also was a Global Account Executive for Pharmaceuticals and fashion textiles. My sales territory was New Jersey, lower and mid Manhattan and Connecticut along with the Caribbean, South America and Europe. 3.) Question: Do you like this school? Answer: Definitely, UC is a community. It's like Family, a very BIG family. What I like most is, the fact that everyone is involved in the day to day at UC. I can't really say I like one particular thing, because I like everything about UC. 4.) Question: What other grades did you teach? Answer: I teach Spanish 1, 2, and 3, from Freshman to Seniors. 5.) Question: How many classes do you teach? Answer: This particular year I teach Six (6) classes, One (1) extra section, however I regularly teach (5) classes. 6.) Question: Which class/section do you like most? Answer: I can say I like all at different times, hence my classes are different levels and they all learn differently. Spanish 1 classes have their own style and my Spanish 2's have been with me since freshman year and, then I have my Spanish 3 who really have improved their Spanish throughout the years and I get to see that first hand. 7.) Question: What are your hobbies outside of school? Answer: Well, I do alot of things with my children. I like dancing, softball, tennis and a good game of Scattergories. I love to cook, travel, and go out (when I can) to the movies. 8.) Question: What's your favorite food? Answer: I like all kinds of food from Sushi to roasted pork, and the list can go on and on. 9.) Question: How was your school life when you were in High School? Answer:Well, I went from a catholic school in NYC, graduated 8th grade and had a scholarship to attend one of the best HS in NYC (Mother Cabrini), however moved to Puerto Rico and went to public school there. Although public school is somewhat like private (you do have to wear uniforms) it was different considering my friends were all here in the states. I got used to it though, I had my cousins and made friends. We didn't have many clubs back then, there was a Business and Marketing Association, Book Club and the graduating class committee (Pres, VP, Sec, etc) We had fundraisers and had voting for Prom king and queen, I was prom queen for my graduating class. ___________________ 10.) Question: How many kids do you have? Answer: I have 2 children. Loren, is my oldest, she's a junior and Jaview, he's 15, he's a freshman. 11.) Question: Are you married? How many years? Answer: Yes, I'm married, I've been married for the past 25 years, and I'll be celebrating my 26th year in July. 12.) Question: How hard is it to raise a family, work a full-time job, and be a supportive wife? Answer: It is tough, however nothing comes easy and I constantly repeat to myself, what my Mother always told me and my Father taught us, "Be true to yourself and others, with hard work and dedication you can do it, remember, to always give back to your community, and remind yourself that God, never gives us nothing we can't handle", so I live by those words and try to instill those in my children. My husband and I both work full time and it is at times exhausting, however we're a constant reminder ot each other that we're a team. 13.) Question: Where do you get your energy from? Answer: T0 tell you the truth, I enjoy what I do! I guess I get it from my foundation, prayer, faith and a little help from above (I guess my Mom watches over me). 14.) Question: What are your dislikes? Answer: I don't have many dislikes, one thing I don't like is the word HATE, its not a nice word and I don't take it lightly. 15.) Question: Who is your best friend? Answer: My best friend was my mother (she passed away 7 years ago). I have two very close friends, one of which is my high school friend and the other is my hairdresser. 16.) Question: Who is your hero? Answer: If you’re asking me to choose, I would say someone I would call a hero is Roberto Clemente, because he is one of the greatest humanitarians. He chooses to leave New Year’s celebrations to take relief items to the devastated in Nicaragua, which cost him his life. There are many heroes nowadays, especially those who choose to lay down their lives to save others, those I also call hero, so as you can see there are many. MY PERSPECTIVE: I think Mrs. Franco is a GREAT Teacher. She always there when her students need her and cares about her students. Thank You Mrs. Franco for letting me Interview you. I am experiencing some technical difficulties with my Account, my Apologizes if the Interview looks weird. Have a Great Day, Vashon L. Hill PRESIDENT The Leadership Project "Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders" In Assoc. with TLP Publications VLHill/TLPP

What's On Tap for Tomorrow

Hi Readers, Tomorrow on Plainfield: A Student's Perspective.

I interview Maritza Franco, World Language Teacher at Union Catholic Regional High School. Make sure you stop by and Read it.

Have A Good Day,

Vashon L. Hill

PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

In Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

Multicultural Festival

Click the Image and RSVP. See You There!


MY PERSPECTIVE: Make sure you click the "Multicultural Picture" and RSVP your spot at the Event. That picture will sit there everyday until April 15th. Can't wait to see you there!


With You For Leadership,

Vashon L. Hill
PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"
In. Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

"Planning and Preparing

TLP will hold a General Membership Meeting on March 23rd, 2011 at Jefferson Elementary School in the Library Media Center. The time will be at 4:00pm.

If you would like to attend and learn more about TLP, please send me an e-mail to slhill.LP@gmail.com.

Have a Great Day,

Vashon L. Hill
PRESIDENT
The Leadership Project


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders
In Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

Updates

Hi Everyone.

Check out The Leadership Project's SchoolNotes Page for Updates on What's New!


Here's the Link:
http://new.schoolnotes.com/xpages/view/195380/0/1

Have A Good Day,

Vashon Hill
PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders

In Assoc. with TLP Publications


VLHill/TLPP

Read Across America

Good Day Everyone.

I am back in action, after a little Health Scare yesterday, where I had to go to the Hospital to stay over night.

Today, is Dr. Seuss' birthday. Which also makes today, Read Across America. The Student Leaders will be going to Jefferson School today to read to the students there. I am sure they are all excited to see everyone.

MY PERSPECTIVE: Thank You everyone for the Get-Well Wishes. Stay tuned to "A Student's Perspective." Enjoy this day of Reading and Fun.

Have a Great Day,

Vashon Hill

PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

In Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

The Interview

Hi Readers. Here is the Interview from the Interviewer from Leadership Somerset. Here is the Introduction to it.

Vashon Hill: Community Leader

He has shared the screen with Academy nominees Laura Linney and Gabourey Sidibe in “The Big C”, taught kindergarten, and calls Tyler Perry and Anderson Cooper some of his heroes. His name is Vashon Hill, a young community leader and a Union Catholic Regional High School student with proven leadership abilities.

Vashon authors a blog called “Plainfield: A Student’s Perspective” (pstudentsperspective.blogspot.com). As a Leadership Somerset participant developing my own leadership ability, I became curious about Vashon after noticing the John Quincy Adams quote on his blog. The quote reads, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” In addition to this quote, Vashon’s blog offers his perspective on everything from the recent rash of Plainfield shootings to Plainfield Board of Education issues. His blog reflects his maturity and commitment to community involvement. At a time when most teenagers are struggling with identity issues and peer pressure, Vashon stands out as a confident role model and leader.

Since 2008, Vashon has clocked 300 service hours doing everything from student teaching to running the Jefferson School Leadership Project. As President of the Project, he and his board plan events, fundraisers, workshops, and offer support to the school’s teachers and administrators. Jefferson School Principal, Scott Burkholder, praised Vashon for the important role he plays and pointed out that because of his age, he can be a more effective role model than teachers. Burkholder also credits Vashon with helping to pioneer the upcoming Multicultural Diversity program, an event that aims to bring the diverse Plainfield community groups together. This program is just one of the many ways Vashon and the Project are reaching out to the community and collaborating with other agencies like the Plainfield Board of Education.

Vashon credits his mom, former Jefferson teachers, and Project directors, Shawn Colletta and James Malkmus, with encouraging his leadership abilities. According to Vashon, a leader needs to be positive trustworthy, effective, and have experience. He considers himself a good leader but admits that he can learn to be more patient. He points to a couple incidents where he had to deal with an unruly student and a demanding parent and learned that patience is especially important in such situations.

Whether he becomes the next famous actor, teacher, journalist, or President of the United States of America, Vashon Hill will no doubt be out in front leading and making things happen. With the growing Plainfield shootings, more focus on positive young role models like Vashon is critically needed. While his story may not make front page news, more people need to know about this inspiring young community leader.

MY PERSPECTIVE: I like what was written. Please tell me what you think.

With You For Leadership,

Vashon Hill

PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

VLHill/TLPP

In Assoc. with TLP Publications