Michaelah Valentine
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. My first language is English.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
When I was younger, I loved attending the annual carnival, festival, or circus that came in town. I eagerly waited for the day I could play games to win the biggest stuffed animals, wear some funky circus light up gear, and eat zeppoles and funnel cake with my friends and family. I still look forward to all of those things even now because they bring me back to when I was a child growing up and remind me of home.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Rutgers University where I earned my B.A. in Social Work and Africana Studies. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education at Relay Graduate School of Education.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My favorite book in middle school was The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney.
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
The best part of teaching at HG is having the wonderful opportunity of getting to know my students and building relationships with them during Advisory and Club. I enjoy these moments because they allow both the students and teachers to understand that we are both not only teachable, but, we are both people. When I was in middle school often times the only thing I knew about my teachers is that they were teachers and maybe if they had a pet. It was like solving a mystery to know that they had a life outside of teaching. Club and Advisory not only add a unique way for students to learn more about one another, but for staff and students to build sustainable relationships while learning.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
I love exploring different places like museums and restaurants with my family and close friends. I also enjoy doing hair.
What is your favorite quote?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 NKJV
Michaelah Valentine
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. My first language is English.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
When I was younger, I loved attending the annual carnival, festival, or circus that came in town. I eagerly waited for the day I could play games to win the biggest stuffed animals, wear some funky circus light up gear, and eat zeppoles and funnel cake with my friends and family. I still look forward to all of those things even now because they bring me back to when I was a child growing up and remind me of home.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Rutgers University where I earned my B.A. in Social Work and Africana Studies. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education at Relay Graduate School of Education.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My favorite book in middle school was The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney.
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
The best part of teaching at HG is having the wonderful opportunity of getting to know my students and building relationships with them during Advisory and Club. I enjoy these moments because they allow both the students and teachers to understand that we are both not only teachable, but, we are both people. When I was in middle school often times the only thing I knew about my teachers is that they were teachers and maybe if they had a pet. It was like solving a mystery to know that they had a life outside of teaching. Club and Advisory not only add a unique way for students to learn more about one another, but for staff and students to build sustainable relationships while learning.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
I love exploring different places like museums and restaurants with my family and close friends. I also enjoy doing hair.
What is your favorite quote?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 NKJV
STUDENT LIFE
Athletics
Sports parallel life, and that is why we believe deeply in the importance of athletics at Hamilton Grange.
Winning is nice and provides a good feeling, but that feeling passes quickly, and what lasts are the lessons the game and the preparation for it have taught us.
While a game is played out in just a single afternoon, in that game we experience happiness, misery, joy and heartbreak - there's no telling what will turn up - you might be a hero, you might not. What better way to prepare for dealing with those emotions in life than on a playing field with our friends and coaches who will ensure that no matter, we are supported.
Here are some things are student-athletes are taught:
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Life is just like the game above - a serious game in which you do your best, no matter the obstacles you face.
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Winning is not the point, wanting to win is the point.
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Never being satisfied with what you've done is the point. Never letting up is the point.
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Never letting anyone down is the point.
Play to win, sure. But lose like a champion. Because it is not winning that counts, what counts is trying.
FLAG FOOTBALL
BASKETBALL
SOCCER
BASEBALL
GOLF
CHEERLEADING
High School Musical
In June 2018, our students performed their first ever musical, the Broadway Jr. edition of High School Musical.
We were amazed by our students abilities as actors, singers, set and lighting designers and look forward to this year's production - what will it be?
The Hamilton Grange Student Journalists Present:
As part of our school day club offerings, this year our student journalists are working hard to cover what's happening in the world and at HGMS. Click the banner to see the latest issue!
Visual Arts
Our students have created a 200 foot mural in our hallways, designed and painted the entryway to our floor in the building, and been recognized for their artwork in citywide competitions. Since our founding 5+ years ago, our students have painted 11 murals in and on our building!
Our teaching artists facilitated the creation of a mural we helped commission on the side of our gymnasium to brighten our community and put our youth to work through the Summer Youth Employment Program. Check out our efforts in the two videos below:
Other After School Clubs and Opportunities
We have several other ways that students can get involved after school between the hours of 3:00 and 5:30 p.m.
Pick up an application at school to take advantage of all athletics and clubs mentioned on this page.