Welcome to The (New) Criterion
Welcome to The Criterion, Hornets!
by Sean Collins, Editor-in-Chief
If you have an interest in the events, games, or general news going on at Hamilton West, be sure to tune in to our new school newspaper!
This year marks a major development for the Hamilton West newspaper club, otherwise known as The Criterion. Mr. Patterson, who teaches the journalism elective at West, is now the club advisor and has recruited a large group of students to replenish our staff roster.
Over the past few years, The Criterion has unfortunately been unable to produce a consistent stream of content to West students, largely due to the effects of COVID-19 and our hybrid schedule. This year, however, the newspaper is going to be run a bit differently. New stories and other general content are going to be released every other Friday on the Criterion website, and a magazine-style publication will be released at the end of the year. So stay tuned!
If anyone would like to join the newspaper club, we are always open to new visitors! Whether your intentions are to benefit your future college resume or to simply share your literary talents with the rest of the school, come to Room 201 after school on any Monday to meet with us and share your ideas. If you can’t come after school, drop by Room 201 during the day and introduce yourself to Mr. Patterson - he’ll let you know how to officially join the staff.
Anyways, remember to check in to the online Criterion every other Friday for new content, and enjoy the rest of your day at Hamilton West!
Food Fight
New Policy Prevents Students from Leaving School Grounds
by Sean Collins
This past Thursday, a very significant change was made to the lunch policy at Hamilton West. Students will no longer be permitted to leave school grounds during their lunch periods. Before this change, students were allowed to reenter the building through the main entrance if they decided to buy lunch at another location once their lunch period ended. However, students will no longer be let back into the building if they leave school grounds, and each period they are absent for the remainder of the school day will be counted as a cut.
Photo by Karla Castellanos, Quincy Moss & Javin Tunstall
According to school officials, this change was a result of fights occurring between students near school grounds, primarily a fight that took place at the local 7/11 that quickly got out of hand. In order to help maintain student safety, this new lunch policy was put into effect.
Photo by Karla Castellanos, Quincy Moss & Javin Tunstall
“We believe that this change will help create a safer and more supervised environment for all students during this time,” Hamilton West principal Brian Smith said in a statement release to the school community.
Photo by Karla Castellanos, Quincy Moss & Javin Tunstall
Despite Smith’s efforts to tie this change to improved student safety, many West students are upset with the new policy. Many students prefer fast food to the lunches provided by the school.
It is difficult to tell if the benefit of limiting physical confrontations between students will outweigh the unfortunate possibility of some students refusing to eat during school hours. Some students have speculated that being forced to stay inside during lunch periods will result in an upgraded school lunch, potentially including more options for students who do not prefer the current lunches.
Photo by Karla Castellanos, Quincy Moss & Javin Tunstall
New Weapon Detection System at Hamilton West Keeps Students Safe
by Maria Jagielska
You’ve entered the main gates of Hamilton West many times, and walking through the metal detectors has become a daily routine that just seems normal now.
But maybe you’ve wondered why they were installed in the first place.
Do we have to worry about anything or anyone dangerous? The harsh truth is that school violence can occur anytime, anywhere. So knowing more about the security systems and that they’re there for our safety helps everyone feel that additional protection in school.
Although we call them metal detectors, what we have at school is a “weapon detection system.”
There are three on school grounds, two at the main entrance which we see every day, and one in the gym lobby. How do they work exactly? And why do we have to take out our laptops every time we pass by? Well…it is because sometimes the machine can mistake the battery as a weapon. That is why sometimes people get stopped at the entrance - because the machine mistakes an object for something it is not. They work like this: the system uses sensors and AI to differentiate dangerous weapons from personal items. The system swiftly and reliably detects guns and other weapons as people walk through, without having to take everything out of your bags and pockets. This provides a quick and easy entrance for every student and teacher.
This weapon detection system was installed as a proactive and preventive measure. With these installed, the security guards can prevent a problem before it has a chance to happen. Along with the new metal detectors, there is a new security team called Tri-Shield Security who work for the school. The team consists of retired first responders like police, fire, and military, who were trained to operate the equipment. If they do catch someone with a weapon, the person would be suspended for a minimum of one year and most likely expelled from school. Anyone who brings a weapon into school will be arrested and charged.
“By taking preventive and proactive measures, like screening for weapons and limiting access points into and out of our building, we put ourselves at a tremendous advantage from the first bell to the last,” school resource officer Anthony Carvale said. “As long as we work together, with the common goal being safety, we are ahead of the game.”
Get to Know Hamilton West's New Security Officers
by Emilia Martinez
The new school year started just over a month ago, but most students have yet to meet the new security officers patrolling our halls. The Criterion spoke with all of our new security guards, and we want to provide students with a small insight as to how these professionals see their role here at our school.
HAMILTON WEST RESOURCE OFFICER ANTHONY CARVALE
Q: Who are you?
A: Officer Anthony J. Carvale, referred to as Officer Carvale.
Q: What do you do here?
A: Student Resource Officer (SRO) at Hamilton High School West.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: This is my fifth school year at West. I’ve been a police officer in Hamilton since 2010, [and have] been at West since 2019.
Q: Do you have any previous experience?
A: Prior to becoming SRO, I worked patrol, dealing with calls for service all over town.
Q: How do you feel about the security measures, and do you believe they’ve improved since the new system has been implemented?
A: I believe security has vastly improved with the addition of the weapon detection system and Tri-Shield Security team.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: The stark reality is that school violence can occur anytime and anywhere. By taking preventive and proactive measures, like screening for weapons and limiting access points into and out of our building, we put ourselves at a tremendous advantage from the first bell to the last. As long as we work together, with the common goal being safety, we are ahead of the game.
OFFICER STEPHEN MELLICK
Q: Who are you?
A: My name is Stephen Mellick. I retired after 27 years with the Mercer County Sherrif’s Office, 21 years as a detective. I currently work for Tri-Shield Security Company. The Hamilton Township Board of Education has retained Tri-Shield to provide security in all the middle and high schools.
Q: What would you like students to call you?
A: [I would like students to call me] Steve. No officer needed.
Q: What do you do here?
A: My primary function is to protect all the students and faculty from any and all outside threats to the safety of the school. In addition, it is my job to also maintain a safe environment inside the school to ensure the teachers can provide the best possible education to their students.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been employed by Tri-Shield for three years. My first year I was assigned to Sharon Elementary School in Robbinsville. Last year I was assigned to Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy and finally this year I was assigned to Hamilton High West.
Q: Do you have any previous experience?
A: Yes, I have 30 years of experience providing security and protection; first in law enforcement at the Sheriff's Office and later at Tri-Shield Security Company.
Q: How do you feel about the security measures, and do you believe they’ve improved since the new system has been implemented?
A: Yes, given the present and perilous times in our schools throughout the county, I believe the new security system has enhanced the overall safety within the school.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: I would like t[he] students to know that I choose a career in law enforcement because I love my community and always wanted to protect and serve the citizens officially in public life. In retirement, I choose Tri-Shield to continue that service within the local schools. I want the students to know that I love them very much and will always be there to protect them from harm.
OFFICER MARVIN LEONTUS
Q: Who are you?
A: My name is Marvin Leontus. I am a Hamilton West Alumni and also an assistant coach for the varsity football.
Q: What would you like students to call you?
A: Leo or Coach Leo.
Q: What do you do here?
A: I am 1 of 4 security guards at Hamilton West.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: This is my first year as a security for West. Last two years I worked as a campus monitor for Hamilton West.
Q: Do you have any previous experience?
A: Before working at West, I was working at Risk Kids, being a role model to them. Before that I served four years in the United States Army as a logistical specialist.
Q: How do you feel about the security measures, and do you believe they’ve improved since the new system has been implemented?
A: I enjoy it because we’re showing that we care about our kids well. So far kids are more cautious about opening doors with metal detectors, [which] will limit kids trying.
Q: What do you want the students to know about you?
A: For the ones that don’t know me, I’d like for them to know that I am caring and I could relate to their struggles and push them to want to graduate and be great.
OFFICER MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Q: Who are you?
A: Michael FitzPatrick.
Q: What would you like students to call you?
A: Mike or Fitz.
Q: What do you do here?
A: Provide security for the school staff and children.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: Been doing this full time for two years previously did part time for eight years.
Q: Do you have any previous experience?
A: Yes; I did security at Notre Dame High School for seven years.
Q: How do you feel about the security measures, and do you believe they’ve improved since the new system has been implemented?
A: I believe the security in place at the school is very good and has improved on the way things were in the past.
Q: What do you want the students to know about you?
A: I am a retired captain of [the] Trenton Fire Department, I am into sports and fishing, and easy to talk to. I am here to protect everyone in the school, but I am very laid back and easy to talk to.
Though the officers may seem intimidating at first, they are easily accessible and quite fun to talk to. They are quite a nice group of people, and students shouldn’t be afraid of them. Though the security measures may seem somewhat drastic to some, the officers make it clear that the measures are implemented to keep all of us safe from the grim reality that has been mentioned time and time again. Be sure to say hello!
Students Weigh In on Hamilton West's New Security Measures
by Benjamin Schafer
Hamilton West, along with many New Jersey middle and high schools, got a new line of security recently. The school has been equipped with high tech metal detectors, new security personnel, and the new rules that came along with all of this.
But what you may not have thought about is how the students are taking this sudden change. Specifically, has the change affected freshmen differently compared to sophomores, juniors and seniors? After doing some research, and interviews, the results were quite interesting.
The Criterion asked several students - one freshman, two sophomores, and one junior, “What are your feelings about the security measures in our school?” and, “Do they make you feel more safe and secure?”
“[The security measures] are a little crazy in my opinion,” one of the sophomores said. “I was very surprised when I heard there would be a nine-day suspension for propping a door open, but it honestly makes sense. People in this school can be wild, fighting at 8 in the morning, before school even starts, that’s outrageous to me personally. But in the end I'm glad they care about us, and put these new precautions into place.”
“The security is fine,” the other sophomore said, prior to the new lunch restrictions. “It feels good to know that there’s people watching most entrances. It’s annoying that you have to wait until the lunch period ends if you want to come back into the building, but I guess it’s for our safety.”
“My feelings on the new security measures are indecisive,” said junior Adrian Lopez. “I feel like it makes it harder for me to walk into school and get to class, but I understand why we have to do it. I won’t lie, I miss the times where you can just come in wherever, but if this truly protects us, then I’ll make do with it. They honestly do make me feel more safe, it’s nice to know now that people can’t just sneak whatever they want into the school. I do have to say though, I hope our security doesn’t just stop whoever they feel like it. But I trust they have good intentions, and they aren’t going to make anything like that become an issue in the future.”
“I don’t have much to say about it since I’m still kind of new here,” said freshmen Kendall Mason. “It’s just always been here, it’s just part of the routine, so I don’t really care about it too much. It doesn’t really matter to me. I just know it’s there to keep me safe.”
Several other freshman expressed similar views - these security measures are all they’ve ever known, so it really doesn’t bother them. Older students who were here beforehand aren't thrilled about the new security, but they understand the change. Most students' perspective on these new changes is “it’s annoying,” but they also seem to understand the importance of them being put in place and are willing to comply with how it is now.
Another year has come around and we are back to the best holiday out there: Halloween! When you see the decorations start to come out, you can expect Hamilton West to bring back one of our favorite traditions: THE HAUNTED HOUSE! This year will be even better than before, with new classes, new rooms, and new ideas.
Some rooms that you can look forward to are:
Room 109 (Mrs. Scotto’s room), with a Hocus Pocus fantasy
Room 118 (the band room), with a CarnEvil of surprises
The Nurse’s Office with a mind-turning “Stranger Things” vibe
This fun, after-dark activity welcomes all elementary schoolers to come in their best costumes and enjoy West’s house of fun and fright. There will be other fun things like a performance from the HTSD district orchestra, decorated pumpkin contests, and yummy treats in the lunchroom. It’ll be a night filled with Halloween happiness, so come join West’s Haunted House on Friday, Oct. 27, from 6-8 pm!
STUDENTS REWARDED FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS - Juniors Heidi Meehan, Simran Jadoo and Daniella DeBonis show off their academic letters. Sophomores and juniors with high levels of academic achievement were celebrated this past Wednesday with a ceremony and breakfast in the Hamilton West cafeteria. “I was happy to get recognized for my academic success,” said Meehan.
photo by Kamryn Mooney
DONATE TO THE CRITERION
Your donation will support the student journalists of Hamilton High West. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. To donate, please send a check to: The Criterion, Hamilton High West, 2720 South Clinton Ave., Hamilton, NJ 08610.
Editor-in-Chief: Sean Collins
Editors: Nathan Barrett, Riley Collins, Aileen Gomez, Alexia Gomez, Ava Iorio, Troy Vallery
Staff Writers: Ava Clugsten, Adreanna Cruzeta, John Daily, Sohaila Elkhateeb, Rheanna Feliciano, Tyler Fuller, Luna Garcia-Yax, Tiara Gonzalez, Yackelin Gramajo, Kaamil Hall, Maria Jagielska, Emilia Martinez, Kelsie Massingill, Mykayla Miles, Kamryn Mooney, Mahase Naitram, Ben Schafer, Kamaya Swain, Richardy Zambrano
Staff Photographers: Caleblyn Hall, Toka Gahin, Tiara Gonzalez, Joshua Martinez, Kamryn Mooney, Mahase Naitram
Advisors: Mr. Panfili, Mr. Patterson