February 'In-Review' Newsletter: Office of the Super...

FEBRUARY 'IN-REVIEW' NEWSLETTER Dear School Community,  It has certainly been a winter to remember. The storm spanning Sunday, February 22nd, into Monday, February 23rd, brought one of the most significant snowfalls our region has experienced in over a decade. 100% of Bergen County schools were closed on Monday the 23rd, and 63% of K-12 School Districts remained closed on Tuesday the 24th. I am proud to say that our school district was one of the Districts that were able to resume classes on Tuesday with just a two-hour delay. This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and resilience of many. I want to extend a sincere thank-you to the New Milford DPW and our District Buildings and Grounds staff for their tireless efforts clearing roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. Opening on Tuesday simply would not have been possible without them moving a massive amount of snow. I am also grateful to the Police Department for managing traffic patterns, our residents for clearing their sidewalks, and our faculty and staff, many of whom traveled from across the county, to be here for our students. It was a true community effort that put the resiliency of our town on full display. Resuming school on Tuesday was also vital for maintaining the integrity of our District Calendar. It is a state requirement for public schools to be in session a minimum of 180 days. To ensure this, the District builds into the calendar 3 'emergency days', which we have now utilized 2 of those 3 days. Consequently, the "black-out" days surrounding Memorial Day weekend are no longer available. We have one emergency day remaining in our "bank," which will be used if absolutely necessary. Please be aware that if we exceed our remaining day, makeup days will be scheduled during Spring Break—an outcome we are working hard to avoid. If our final emergency day remains unused, it will be "given back" on June 21st, effectively making our final day of school June 19th. I have attached the updated 2025 –2026 School Calendar for your reference.  2025 - 2026 New Milford Public School District Calendar Below, you will find highlights of the many wonderful things happening across the District over the past month. As you will see, our schools have been very busy, and there is much to be proud of. As always, your continued support is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Peter Galasso Superintendent of the New Milford Public Schools DISTRICT INFORMATION New Milford High School Musical: Legally Blonde New Milford High School is proud to present our spring musical,  Legally Blonde, on Thursday, March 5th, Friday, March 6th, and Saturday, March 7th at 7:00 PM in the NMHS James Africano Auditorium! Based on the hit Broadway musical and beloved movie,  Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, chases her dreams, and proves that determination and heart can change everything. Filled with high-energy dance numbers, powerful vocals, and plenty of humor, this is a show you won’t want to miss!  Our talented cast and crew, which comprises 55 amazing student-thespians, will be joined by a live pit orchestra. Everyone has been working tirelessly to bring this fun, empowering production to life, and we are so excited to share it with our community. Tickets are available now at:  www.nmhsmusicals.com (We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance, as seating is limited and performances are expected to sell out quickly. You can also save $5 per ticket by purchasing early!) Please come out and support our incredible students for a night of music, laughter, and pink-powered fun. This is a musical the whole family can enjoy.  Thursday, March 5th will be a "Pink Out"—please wear as much pink as you can to the performance! Celebrating Rare Disease Day: February 28, 2026 Rare Disease Day is a global, patient-led initiative held annually on the last day of February to raise awareness for the over 300 million people worldwide living with 7,000 rare diseases. Established in 2008, its purpose is to advocate for better equity in healthcare, access to diagnosis, and promote empathy and understanding. This year our District celebrated Rare Disease Day on Friday, February 27th by wearing black and white. Teachers created special activities, read from books and Middle School science and art teachers created a cross curricular activity combining art and science. Pictured below; Ms. Catalano and the Science teachers from DEO teamed up with Mr. Muratore, the art teacher, to create a montage embedded with the Rare Disease Day colors.  March 19: Schools Closed - Eid al-Fitr  The District will be closed for students on Thursday, March 19, in observance of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. Although our students will not be in session, our faculty and administrators will participate in Professional Development to refine and strengthen our instructional practices. As Eid al-Fitr continues through Friday, March 20, students observing the holiday on that day may receive an excused absence if a parent provides a note citing the religious observance to the school office. AWARDS & RECOGNITION: The New Milford School District remains dedicated to providing students and staff with opportunities for achievement that extend far beyond the classroom walls. Below, you will find a summary of the many accolades and honors our school community has earned over the past several months. Competitive Cheer: All State Athletes We are thrilled to announce that seniors  Sophia Santelli and Colleen Willis have been named to the New Jersey Cheerleading & Dance Coaches Association (NJCDCA) 2025–2026 All-State Teams . Following a rigorous evaluation by a panel of professional judges, Sophia was selected for the All-State First Team, and Colleen was selected for the All-State Second Team. Given the highly competitive nature of the NJCDCA selection process and the large pool of talented candidates statewide, this is a remarkable accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, skill, and hard work these athletes have invested into competitive cheerleading.   Unsung Hero Award - Emely Garzon Cabrera It is a distinct honor to celebrate  Emely Garzon Cabrera as the New Milford High School Unsung Hero Award Recipient . After transferring to the United States at the start of her junior year, Emely navigated the triple challenge of a new school, a new country, and a new language with grace. Her progress has been nothing short of remarkable; from day one, she has modeled tireless determination and ambition. After finishing her junior year with academic excellence, Emely earned a spot in our competitive internship program, where her maturity and professionalism have made her a standout asset in the healthcare field. We are incredibly proud of Emely’s resilience and her unwavering drive to succeed. Emely will be honored at the Bergen County Unsung Hero Awards ceremony on March 4th at Becton Regional High School.  1st Place: Ian Lee NJ HOSA Northern Regionals HOSA – Future Health Professionals is an international organization dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in the healthcare industry through competitive events, leadership development, and scholarship opportunities. We are proud to announce that junior  Ian Lee has secured 1st place in the Dental Terminology category at the NJ HOSA Northern Regional Conference for the second consecutive year. Ian is no stranger to elite competition; last year, he represented New Milford at the HOSA National Leadership Conference in Tennessee. We wish him the best of luck as he advances to the HOSA NJ State Competition this March!   "What does Service to Our Country Mean?" DEO Advances to the State Level In the 2025–2026 Elks Americanism Essay Contest, students explored the theme, 'What does service to your country mean to you?' Their reflections highlighted that service extends far beyond military duty—encompassing personal responsibility, community action, and everyday gestures like volunteering or voting.  We are incredibly proud to announce that of the 12 essays selected from the county to move on to the state level, 6 were written by David E. Owens Middle School students. While we are impressed by their exceptional writing skills, we are even more moved by their profound understanding of what it means to serve our country. We are very proud of the following students (pictured below from left to right):  Zoila Lucas Duarte, Rebecca Lian, Gabe Remoroza, Artharrv Baheti, Lorenzo DaCosta, and Mateo Valencia   DEO's Matthew Phillips Accepted into The Julliard School The Juilliard Pre-College program is a rigorous, conservatory-style Saturday program for exceptionally talented students ages 8–18. As one of the most prestigious and sought-after music programs in the world, it provides comprehensive training to prepare young artists for elite college-level study. We are proud to announce that Matthew Phillips has been accepted into this highly selective, tuition-free program. His admission is a remarkable testament to his talent and dedication. In fact, Matthew’s success is already being recognized; he can be seen featured in the current Juilliard brochure (pictured in the second row on the right). N.J. Devils Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) Nominee: NMHS's Ms. Bonnie Taylor The Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Year is a prestigious award sponsored by the NHL, honoring educators across the U.S. and Canada who bring STEM to life using hockey-themed digital curricula. As part of the Future Goals initiative, the winner is determined by public vote and announced during Teacher Appreciation Week. We need your help to support our nominee, Ms. Bonnie Taylor, our business teacher at the High School. Please see image to the right for voting details and join us in cheering on our "MVT." Winter Season Highlights in Athletics As the winter season draws to a close, the New Milford Knights have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Our athletes have pushed boundaries and rewritten the history books. Jeremy Friedberg (top left) showcased his strength by qualifying for the State Meet of Championships in shot put, while junior Hanah Belthoff (top right) qualified in the high jump, a feat made even more impressive by the school record she set earlier this season. Both of these student-athletes will travel to Ocean Breeze to compete at the state level on March 8th.  The record-breaking didn’t stop there. In the swimming pool, Santino Ermita (bottom right) set a new school record in the 50-meter freestyle with a lightning-fast time of 22.5 seconds. Meanwhile, on the bowling lanes, junior Layal Grund (bottom left) dominated the competition, bowling a 275 to claim the highest female score in New Milford history. Congratulations to all our Knights on a stellar season!  NJIC Coach of the Year (2 consecutive years): Mrs. Emily Correa The 2025-2026 New Milford High School Swimming team, in a successful co-op with Waldwick, enjoyed an outstanding season, competing for a league championship right down to the final meet and hosting a state swim meet for the first time in school history. Led by coaches Emily Correa and Christina Cusmano, both dedicated educators within the New Milford School District, the program pushed student-athletes to achieve new personal bests and shatter school records, like Santino Ermita did just weeks ago. Given the team's success, it is no surprise that for the second consecutive year, Coach Emily Correa has earned the respect of her colleagues and the NJIC athletic conference. We are proud to announce that Mrs. Correa has been named the NJIC Coach of the Year for swimming in recognition of her exceptional leadership this season. INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS Play Unified:  NMHS Athletic initiative Play Unified is more than just a sports program; it’s a powerful initiative dedicated to social inclusion. By bringing together students with disabilities and their general education peers, the program fosters deep empathy and lasting friendships through the universal language of sports. Whether it’s on the track, at the bowling alley, or on the court, these shared athletic experiences are breaking down social barriers for our students. We are incredibly proud of our New Milford Knights, who recently secured a hard-fought victory against Pompton Lakes! Congratulations to the athletes, partners, and coaches who make this program a success. Pictured here are several team members alongside our Director of Special Services, Mrs. Eileen Horn. Young Expressions Regional High School Art Show Mrs. Finizia, New Milford High School Art Teacher, recently collaborated with the Art Center of Northern New Jersey to host the Young Expressions Regional High School Art Show, a vibrant celebration of talented young artists from across Bergen County. The exhibition featured works from 16 local high schools, including New Milford. We are proud to announce that Hailey Smith received an Honorable Mention in the Digital Art category. The show was juried by renowned artist and educator Will Robertson, with prizes generously provided by Blick Art Materials. Pictured to the left is Mrs. Finizia and Hailey.  Empty Bowls; Ceramics Meets Community Service The NMHS pottery students had a great time at the annual Throw-A-Thon, throwing on the wheel (sculpting bowls out of clay) to create 200 ceramic bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraiser! The School community is proud of their hard work, talent, and generosity. All funds raised support the food pantry at Ascension Church. The Empty Bowls Event is scheduled for March 13 in the NMHS cafeteria — save the date!  New Milford High School offers Ceramics I and Ceramics II (more advanced) to our students. Pictured right is Senior Yoelis Mendez posing with one of her hand crafted bowls.  NMHS Cupcake Wars Cupcake Wars took over the kitchen! Our culinary arts students went head-to-head in a sweet competition. Huge congratulations to Mrs. Bruno, the NMHS Culinary Arts teacher, for creating such a creative and exciting project that had the entire school buzzing and voting. Pictured left is the the Cupcake Ski Lodge design, which was this years winner. New Milford High School offers to levels of culinary courses; International Foods and Culinary Arts, both of which are sought after electives from the student body.   Read Across America: March 2, 2026 - Berkley and Gibbs Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America is the nation’s largest reading initiative. While officially celebrated on March 2nd to honor Dr. Seuss’s birthday, the program aims to inspire a year-round love of literacy in children and teens. This year, Berkley and Gibbs Elementary Schools welcomed parents, High School students, community leaders, and school personnel to share their favorite stories with students. The event featured a variety of guest readers and literary picks: The Mayor arrived in his iconic Dr. Seuss hat to read Fox in Socks , while Board of Education member Mrs. Moore shared the inspiring message of Say Something . From Councilman Seymour’s reading of Children Make Terrible Pets to the Superintendent’s classic choice of The Giving Tree , the day was a testament to the power of a good story. The goal of course is to show children that the love of reading never stops, but it also reminds the guest readers that reading a simple book to a group of wide eyes elementary students can be absolutely refreshing. A sincere thank-you to  the Media Specialists, Mrs. Oliviero and Ms. Knudsen, who organized the logistics of the day. Also a special thanks to all our guest readers and the Principals for opening their doors to the community for this wonderful event. Pictured above: Mayor Putrino and Mrs. Moore (top left); Superintendent of Schools with Mrs. Horgan's 1st grade class (top right) and Mrs. Santoros 4th grade class (bottom right); Council Seymore, Lt. Pisano, Dr. Chrisomalis, Officer Mazzeo, and Nurse Caratenuto (bottom left). Celebrating the Lunar New Year This month, the NMHS Mandarin Society visited B.F. Gibbs Elementary to share the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year. Under the leadership of Mrs. Sophia Kirschner, the society empowers students to master not only the Mandarin language but also the rich cultural heritage of China. The high-energy assembly featured high school students performing traditional dragon dances and rhythmic drumming (pictured left), creating a beautiful and memorable experience for the elementary audience. Other Information & Happenings Approved 2026 - 2027 New Milford Public School District Calendar   The approved 2026–2027 New Milford School Calendar is now available below. We kindly ask that you plan family vacations around scheduled recesses to ensure your child’s attendance remains consistent. Regular attendance is a vital component of academic achievement and is a strong predictor of long-term success beyond graduation. 2026 - 2027 New Milford District Calendar Supporting Students and Families Affected by ICE   In light of recent news regarding immigration enforcement and some of our students being directly affected, we want to reaffirm that New Milford’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We recognize that during periods of heightened activity, schools serve as an essential emotional anchor for students who may feel anxious or unsafe. Whether a student is personally affected, part of a mixed-status family, or an empathetic peer, these events can cause significant distress and ultimately distract from school. While school districts do not control federal policy, we are fully committed to providing an environment of safety, belonging, and stability. The New Milford Public School District remains a protective and supportive space where every student has the right to learn. If you or your child would like to discuss concerns specific to your family , please reach out to your school guidance counselor or our District Student Assistance Counselor (SAC), Mrs. Dorene Zacher. Upcoming Parent Webinars:   There are two upcoming Parent/Guardian Talk Series Webinars that Hackensack Meridian Children's Health is hosting focused on 'Food Allergies', and another on 'Keeping Children Safe'. Flyers are linked below. These are free events.  1) --- March 11- Food Allergies 101 2) --- April 23- Keeping Your Children Safe Inside and Outside the Home UPCOMING EVENTS:  (visit the school webpages for more specific information) Upcoming Events March 4:       Senior Citizen: Dinner & Show March 5:       Legally Blonde Opening Night: 7:00pm March 5-7:   Legally Blonde:  7:00pm (NMHS  Auditorium) March 11:     Rising 6th Grade Parent Night (DEO): 6:30pm March 13:    Empty Bowls Fundraiser (NMHS) 5:00pm March 16:    NJGPA Testing begins at NMHS March 18 :   BOE Meeting (Work Session): 7:00pm March 19:    Schools Closed for students / PD for Staff March 25:   BOE Meeting (Regular): 7:00pm                    DEO Science Fair: 6:30pm March 30 :  Spring Break begins April 6:        School Resumes   Pevny/Savino Scholarship Donation Form Link COMMUNITY BACKPACK If you are interested in more upcoming events and happenings taking place in the New Milford Community please be on the lookout for the "Community Backpack" emails that are sent out through parent square regularly. Community Backpack Link (log in required)

Tuesday, Mar 03 2026

December 'In-Review' Newsletter: Office of the Super...

DECEMBER 'IN-REVIEW' NEWSLETTER Dear School Community,  I hope your children enjoyed their winter break. With 13 days away from the classroom, about as long as a public school winter break can be, our hope is that our students return feeling rejuvenated and ready for the months ahead. While we anticipate a bit of "morning grogginess" as everyone reacclimates to the school schedule and the demands of the classroom, we trust our students and staff will be right back in the swing of things in no time. The new year always brings a sense of a fresh start. This is a great time to refocus on attendance and academic goals for your children, but even beyond academics, our schools are places where children learn to navigate diversity, resolve conflicts, and develop themselves as individuals. A large part of this focuses on providing opportunities for students at all levels to serve the greater community. Mahatma Gandhi stated, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Helping others is critical when it comes to students, and even adults, discovering higher purposes in life. Nobody looks back on their life and says, “I wish I had helped less.” With that being said, in this issue we are proud to share the many ways our students supported our community this past month, along with some essential parent information, awards and recognition, and upcoming events happening in and around the District.  Sincerely, Peter Galasso Superintendent of the New Milford Public Schools   PARENT INFORMATION Emergency Closing Procedures (Inclement Weather): Winter is here, which means we are always paying close attention to weather reports that can impact our daily routines. To ensure we are all on the same page, I want to outline the process for determining delayed openings, early dismissals, or school closings. Emergency Communication: The District recently tested our emergency communication system. You should have received a notification via Parent Square, a text message, and a phone call to all registered phones. Accurate contact information is essential for receiving emergency notifications. Please take a moment to check and update your information in Genesis to ensure accuracy. How a decision is made: Preparation (The Day Before): I begin communicating with our Business Administrator and Facilities staff to review forecasts and prepare equipment, as well as discussing the pending forecast with the DPW and Police. We also coordinate with neighboring superintendents, as we often make regional decisions. Decision Time (The Morning Of): We review reports throughout the evening. Around 5:00 a.m. , superintendents finalize the decision. We typically notify the community the morning of the decision. However, for a clearly overwhelming storm, we may notify you the night before. We understand that the sooner we can disseminate information to families the better, however we also want to make the right decision as to not use our emergency days unnecessarily.   Following the Decision: Our website is updated immediately, and communication goes out to families, staff, and all necessary agencies. Please know that making the call can be challenging. Our goal is always to be in session, as routine is the best for students and families; however, safety is the most important factor.  The decision is based on the best available data at that specific time, recognizing that weather conditions are often fluid and change rapidly. Please try to have a plan ready for every scenario: a full day, no school, a delayed opening, or an early dismissal. As a public school our students must attend school a minimum of 180 days. Typically, the district builds in 3-4 emergency closing days, which are given back at some point in the Spring if they are not used. However, if we use more than those allotted emergency days, sessions must be instituted over Spring break to meet that 180 day requirement. We do not want to use Emergency closing days frivolously. 2025-2026 New Milford Public School District Calendar   Risks of Gambling for our Students: The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We have recently received an advisory from the Bergen County Youth Services Commission regarding a concerning uptick in gambling activity among middle and high school students across our region. Reports from local law enforcement and School Resource Officers (SROs) indicate that students are increasingly using peer-to-peer betting and prediction apps, such as Kalshi and similar platforms. While these apps may look like simple "prediction games," they involve real-world wagering on sports and entertainment that can normalize high-risk behavior at an early age. Key Concerns: App-Based Betting: Students are using digital platforms to place bets on various events, often underestimating the financial and psychological risks. Informal Wagering: There have been reports of students engaging in "collateral-based" bets involving personal property, such as phones or e-bikes. Normalization of Risk: These habits can lead to significant changes in behavior, academic focus, and financial stress. We are looking to integrate this topic into our digital citizenship and wellness curriculum, but your partnership at home is essential. We encourage you to: Monitor App Activity: Check for prediction or betting apps on your student’s devices and review their online financial activity. Look for Red Flags: Be mindful of frequent talk about "odds" or "winnings," a sudden preoccupation with prediction apps, or changes in how your child manages money. Start a Conversation: Talk openly with your child about the risks of online betting and the difference between gaming and gambling. Our school counselors and staff are here to support any student who may be struggling with these issues. By staying informed and proactive, we can ensure our schools remains a healthy environment for all. AWARDS & RECOGNITION: NJIC Coach of the Year: Thomas Corizzi: Few teams in the conference had the year-over-year turnaround of the Knights. After going 2-14-1 last year, Corizzi, who’s been at the helm since 2020, guided New Milford to an 11-10-1 record and a divisional title, finishing atop the new NJIC American division. The Knights also made the finals of the BIT Silver tournament but more importantly, won their first state tournament game since 2013 with a 3-1 win over Wallkill Valley. The program is headed in a great direction.   NMHS Junior honored as an NJCTA Youth Leadership Winner: The New Jersey Chinese Teachers Association (NJCTA) Youth Leadership Award Honors high school and college students demonstrating leadership, community service, and dedication in Chinese language and cultural studies. We would like to congratulate Nathaniel Gammel, a Junior at NMHS, for being honored with the NJCTA Youth Leadership Award this past December. Nathaniel is not a native Mandarin speaker, however after taking interest in 6th grade and through teacher and parent support is now taking the highest levels of Mandarin at the High School. Mandarin is a complicated language to learn, which speaks volumes to Nathaniel’s diligence and passion for the Chinese culture, which he is now taking a leadership role to support. The District is very proud of Nathaniel. Pictured left is Nathaniel with his High School Mandarin teacher Mrs. Kirschner.    Jake Johnson named 1st Team All-County: Jake Johnson, a standout high school athlete from New Milford, was selected 1st team All-Bergen County in football for the 2025 football season. Jake played multiple positions on both defense and offense and was a leader on his team. Jake was also awarded the Star-Ledger's Player of the Week in September 2025 after a strong performance in the season opener. He has been recognized as a top player in North Jersey and the state and will continue his football career, competing at the Division I level, at Marist University.   Athletic Director Honored at the State Level: We are thrilled to announce that Joe Ricciardelli, New Milford Athletic Director, has been named the recipient of the DAANJ (Director of Athletics Association of NJ) Sectional Award of Merit, representing the North I Section. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to an athletic director who exemplifies outstanding achievement, unwavering dedication to student-athletes, and the highest level of professionalism throughout their career. Mr. Riciardelli is being recognized for the significant positive influence he has had on the lives of student-athletes across New Jersey, most notably in sportsmanship. Mr. Ricciardelli will be officially honored by his colleagues at the DAANJ annual awards banquet in Atlantic City this March. SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY: ' Tis the Season ' A part of the School Districts mission is to set up opportunities for students to give back not only to the school community, but also the town of New Milford. Below are just some of the ways our amazing staff supported students in service learning this season. Intergenerational Service at New Milford Senior Center We love seeing our students give back! The New Milford Community Service Club recently teamed up with the New Milford Senior Center for two fantastic "Intergenerational Technology Days". Supervised by Mr. Chris Addeo, NMHS students put their skills to use as "tech troubleshooters," answering any questions and helping local seniors master their smartphones and laptops. Our students were absolute pros, and the event was such a hit that we’re already planning future sessions—including a special presentation on AI! We also want to highlight our Choral Ensemble and Ms. Kimberlee Korzelius (pictured below), who brought beautiful music to the Senior Center with a special performance this past December. They performed excerpts from the winter concert and brought over some Christmas cookies made by students in Mrs. Bruno's culinary classes.  National Honor Society (NHS) student 'Giving Tree' initiative National Honor Society (NHS) President Emma Grady proposed a “Holiday Wishing Tree” initiative to support students who may have limited gifts to open during the holiday season. Through this initiative, NHS members, or individuals they knew, had the opportunity to purchase one or two gifts for anonymous students in need. The NHS officers held a meeting where members could sign up to sponsor a student. The only information provided was the student’s age, gender, and a $25 spending limit to ensure anonymity and fairness. Gifts were received and delivered to Berkley. This initiative was a great success and truly reflected the spirit of service within the National Honor Society chapter. We would love to continue this tradition in future years. (Pictured: Vice President-Keena Rhouisa Obrique, President- Emma Grady, Secretary- Sahasra Shyam, Treasurer-  Hrishi Gevariya, ) Breakfast with Santa and his Elves On December 6, New Milford High School hosted its annual Holiday Breakfast, bringing the community together for a morning of festive fun. Held in the NMHS cafeteria, the event featured an all-you-can-eat spread of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and coffee for parents, while children enjoyed face painting, holiday crafts, and a special visit from Santa. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the students and staff who volunteered their time to ensure the event's success. Ms. Patty Bernardo, who has orchestrated the breakfast for the past 15 years, noted that this year’s "student elves" were among the best she has ever worked with. Their singing and genuine enthusiasm, how they worked with the children, along with appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus—created an atmosphere of joy that truly defined the spirit of the season. (Pictured: Santa and some of his elves) Berkley Street School Holiday Card Drive: The Berkley Street School Student Council, under the guidance of Ms. Loveman, also joined the season of giving. The council members organized a heartfelt initiative to create handmade holiday cards for local senior citizens. These student-crafted cards were delivered to the CareOne facility in New Milford, with the goal of bringing extra cheer and brightness to the residents' holiday season. B.F. Gibbs partner with NMPD - Toy Drive: The Gibbs Elementary School Student Council, supervised by Mrs. Smith, partnered with the New Milford Police Department to collect toys for the annual PBA Toy Drive. Due to their efforts, these toys brightened the holidays for children across the county. Pictured to the right are the Police officers and students that loaded the truck with all the toys. DEO Spreading Joy this Holiday Season:  The DEO community has been busy spreading joy this winter! We are proud of the initiative our students have shown in giving back. Here are some highlights from recent events: Mentorship in Action : Student Council leaders partnered with our youngest learners in Pre-K to design and assemble handmade holiday gifts, fostering a wonderful sense of school spirit across grade levels. Service Learning in Action : Our student performers took their talents on the road to share the gift of music with local senior residents, bringing smiles and holiday cheer to our neighbors. Please click the link to watch the video of the performance: VIDEO: DEO Performance for Senior Citizens Schoolwide "Whiteout" : We turned the school white to raise vital funds for Camp Quality, supporting their mission to provide unforgettable summer camp experiences for children battling cancer. Other Information & Happenings Presenter Makes a Positive Impact:   When a school schedules an educational program, it must look beyond the content and carefully consider the delivery. Will the speaker capture the students’ attention? Will the message be relatable, leaving them eager to hear more? While many professional speakers claim to achieve this, not all live up to the promise. Nathan Harmon, however, exceeded every expectation. From the moment he stepped onto the stage at New Milford High School, Mr. Harmon fully captivated our students. He commanded the room, holding their attention with an intensity that left them hanging on his every word. His core messages; developing healthy relationships, building self-worth, valuing family, and understanding that a single mistake does not define a lifetime, were delivered with profound clarity. Nathan’s philosophy that every challenge is a "teachable moment" resonated deeply. He reached more students than he may ever realize, leaving an impact that will stay with them long after his visit. W e extend our sincere gratitude to the New Milford Drug Alliance for their financial support of this program. Their unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of our school community is truly appreciated. Diabetes Awareness for Parents:   The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has released a new informational resource focused on Type 1 diabetes to support statewide health awareness. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the condition, including common warning signs, risk factors, and important screening information. We encourage you to review the document Diabetes Awareness Informational Link . If you have any questions regarding these symptoms or would like further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school nurse . Elementary Holiday Celebrations:   The Holiday season at the Elementary Schools can be a  lot of fun. Grade 3 Grinch Day ---------------------------  Berkley Holiday Video Young Expressions Art Show:   Please join us for the Young Expressions Regional High School Art Exhibit at the Art Center of Northern New Jersey. This exhibition features artwork by high school students from 17 Bergen County schools, including pieces by six selected students from New Milford High School. The closing reception and awards ceremony will be held on January 15th from 6:00–7:30 PM. Please see the flyer below for more details. Internet Safety Presentation: "The World Out There":   The Maywood School District would like to invite communities in Bergen County to an internet safety event on January 22nd in Maywood.  As noted in the flier linked here; Internet Safety Presentation Information Link , the event will be conducted by Detective James Calaski of the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Cyber Crimes Unit. UPCOMING EVENTS:  (visit the school webpages for more specific information) Upcoming Events January 6:       BOE Reorganization Meeting: NMHS-7:00pm January 8:       National Honor Society Induction: NMHS- 7:00pm January 13:      Berkley Winter Concert: NMHS-7:00pm January 15:      Gibbs Winter Concert: NMHS-6:00pm                         Young Expressions Art Show (see right)                         Berkley PTO Meeting- Berkley-7:00pm January 19:      MLK Day: Schools Closed January 20:     Gibbs PTO Meeting: Gibbs-7:00pm January 23:      Pevny Night (wrestling): NMHS- 6:00pm January 27:     DEO PTO Meeting: DEO-7:00pm January 30:      Pevny Night (basketball): NMHS- 5:15pm/7:00pm February 5 :    Gibbs Family Night: 7:00pm February 7 :    Spring Musical Benefit Concert: NMHS- 7:00pm   COMMUNITY BACKPACK If you are interested in more upcoming events and happenings taking place in the New Milford Community please be on the lookout for the "Community Backpack" emails that are sent out through parent square weekly. Community Backpack Link (log in required)

Tuesday, Jan 06 2026

October Newsletter: Office of the Superintendent

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER Dear School Community, The first two months of the school year, September and October, are now complete , and November, I guarantee, will fly by just as quickly. This is the perfect moment to pause and reflect on your child's progress in school: Academic Performance: How are they performing on classroom assessments and assignments? Social & Emotional Growth: How are they navigating school in general and building relationships? Attendance: How consistent has their attendance been? (This remains a primary focus for us this year, as consistent attendance is vital for success.) Sometimes my own children will complain about school and how hard and stressful school is. I listen, but I also know that the struggle should be part of the growing process.  Over the past decade, research has increasingly focused on the attributes that truly drive long-term success. One particular study found that intelligence and natural talent were not   the greatest indicators of achievement. Instead, grit was identified as the key trait. Grit is the mental toughness and perseverance that allows an individual to stick with challenges and long-term goals. While modern education often incorporates new approaches, we must never forget the long-lasting value of hard work and conscientiousness.   A core part of our teachers' mission is to help students build this determination and stamina—major components of grit. When children develop grit it gives them the resilience they need to handle setbacks and achieve long term success. In fact, building these traits may be the most important part of the learning process.  For our teachers to be effective in instilling these important attributes, students must be in school as much as possible. Please make every effort to get your child(ren) to school on time, every day. Especially in November, when we have 5 ½ days off already, attendance becomes even more important.  Below you will read about many of the happenings in the District over the past month. As you will see we have been very busy at all our schools - there is a lot to be proud of. As always, your support is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Peter Galasso Superintendent of Schools DISTRICT NEWS District Calendar Adjustment (2025-2026) The District Calendar, which outlines our in-session days and recesses, has been adjusted to accommodate the  Primary Election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 . Since three of our school buildings—Gibbs, Berkley, and David E. Owens—serve as polling locations, and based on our experience with last year’s primary, we have determined that closing school is necessary. After consulting with Borough officials and the Police Department, we concluded that fully segregating the election area from the rest of the school, or even moving the polling locations, was unfortunately not feasible at this time. Therefore, please note that all district schools will be closed on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the Primary Election.  The revised 2025-2026 District Calendar is provided below for your reference.     2025-2026 New Milford Public School District Calendar (Revised 10.21.25)   Critical Link Between Attendance and Early Literacy: Consistent attendance is foundational to a child's educational journey and is essential for achieving academic success. The latest data released by the state highlights the profound impact of early chronic absenteeism: Kindergartners who are chronically absent (missing 18 or more days per school year) face an 81% chance of reading below grade level by the third grade. Chronic absenteeism could mean missing just two days of school per month. The " Attendance Awareness " timeline linked below further illustrates the potential long-term effects of chronic non-attendance as students progress through their schooling. We urge all parents to partner with us by setting and monitoring monthly attendance goals with your children to ensure they do not miss more than one day per month. Attendance Awareness Timeline (NJDOE) Sports and Co-Curricular: NMHS Boys Soccer - Division Champions: New Milford High School's Boys Varsity Soccer Team won their division in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference (NJIC) this past week, which means they took first place. Congratulations to the players, their head coach Mr. Thomas Corizzi, and the assistant coaches. Their team will be recognized on the banner in the High School gymnasium. Their next stop is competing in the state playoffs against Wallkill Valley this week.  Cross Country - Sets an NMHS 'Best Time': The Boys Cross Country team, under the leadership of Coach Kelly, earned a NMHS best time at the Garrett Mountain course on their way to a 2nd place finish at State Sectionals. Their performance has earned them a well-deserved trip to the State Group Championship in Holmdel next Saturday. We are very proud of their accomplishments and wish them luck. This is a great send off for Coach Kelly who is retiring this winter.  Girls Soccer - State Playoffs: The girls soccer team is wrapping up there season as they get ready to play in the state playoffs against Waldwick this week. The girls soccer team has worked hard all season under Coach O'Sullivan.   NMHS Cheerleading: The New Milford High School cheerleading team, under Head Coach Mrs. Aufiero, has been supporting the NMHS Football team all season as  they prepare for the 2nd round of the state playoffs against Butler this coming Friday. Volleyball - School History: During an overtime win against league rival Lyndhurst, senior libero Nicole Morales reached 1000 digs. She is the first player in NMHS Volleyball history to achieve the feat! The NMHS Girls Volleyball team, 11-4 on the season, will also compete in the state playoffs against Passaic Charter this week in a home match. North Jersey Band Festival: The New Milford High School Marching Knights gave a fantastic performance on Sunday at the North Jersey Band Festival! The band represented our community with pride, energy, and spirit as they took the field alongside some of the best bands in the region. Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork truly shone through, and we are so proud of their outstanding performance!  Video of  the Performance can be found here:   NMHS Marching Band Video Knights Football defeats Bogota: Under Head Coach Bill Straub the New Milford Knights defeated the Bogota Bucs last Friday to advance to the 2nd round of the state playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year. Kobe St. Hilaire rushed for 200 yards on 34 carries while Jake Johnson and the defense held a potent passing offense to just 14 points. The Knights (6-4) will travel to face top-seeded Butler in the semifinals on Friday. Butler defeated New Milford 28-14 in an Oct. 11 regular season game that was very exciting.  Inside Our Schools Gibbs School Playground Expansion For the last several years, the Gibbs Elementary School PTO engaged the school community in successful fundraising efforts to support a playground expansion. The newly expanded playground, which now features a ropes course, a seesaw, a spinner, and swings, was officially unveiled last week. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a special visit from the Mayor, who even tackled the ropes obstacle (pictured left).  Student voices were integral to the design: persuasive essays written by the students strongly identified swings as the most desired structure. More importantly, the new equipment is designed to be accessible to students of all abilities, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Thank-you to all who supported the effort. This is a project that will serve a generation of students. Thank-you again to the PTO, especially Ms. Burns, Mrs. Block, and Mrs. Devereaux, who worked closely with Mrs. Torre to complete the project.  New Milford High School Programs Tri-M and Art Honor Society Inductees: Congratulations to the new members of the National Art Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society on their induction ceremony! I had the pleasure of viewing their beautiful artwork and hearing some incredible performances at the induction ceremony. Thank you to the music and art officers who assisted with the induction, and to the dedicated teachers in the Art and Music Departments for making this event such a success. NMHS students will sit on the Bergen County Chorus: High school students recently auditioned for the Bergen County Chorus, an honors choir that features outstanding vocalists from schools across the county. We are proud to share that four students from our school have been accepted into this prestigious ensemble; Vince Urmita (#1 Bass 1 spot); Rayna Viera (#8 Alto 1); Jorge Salazar and Christian Dionisio. We commend these talented students for their dedication, hard work, and musical excellence. French Honor Society Visits Gibbs: The students from the French Honor Society, under teacher Ms. Wasserman, were very excited to read French books to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students during a visit to B.F. Gibbs. The high school students had a great time interacting with the younger students and even taught them some French words! This was a very successful activity, thank you to Ms. Torre for welcoming them to your school! 2D Design Student Presentation: Sophomore, Jillian Conforti, impressed the High School's Intro to 2D Design students with an inspiring presentation on her banner design business and creative process. A special thank-you to Ms. Morel for fostering student-led learning and providing Jillian the opportunity to share her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit with her classmates. NMHS Students of the Month: Congratulations to the NMHS Students of the Month! Nominated by faculty and staff and chosen by a dedicated committee, these students embody the best of our community. They have all represented their school, family, and community with exemplary respect and dedication. Savannah Best (Grade 12) -- Anthony Medina (Grade 11) --  Brianna Maye (Grade 10) -- Isabella Anlocotan Lopez (Grade 9) David E. Owens Middle School David E. Owens MS is consistently seeking out opportunities and programs that broaden students' perspectives beyond the school environment. Throughout the month of October, DEO actively supported healthy student choices by organizing community service opportunities and implementing drug-free campaigns. The Service Learning Club held the annual school-wide Pinkout, which raised over $400 for Breast Cancer research. DEO held a Disney Day: The Happiest Place on Earth is Drug Free for red Ribbon Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is an annual alcohol, tobacco, drug, and violence prevention campaign in the United States observed every October.  The 8th Grade experienced a HIT (High Intensity Talks) presentation: DEO students had the opportunity to hear from an inmate about the choices they made and getting caught up in drug use and how this can effect one’s life.  It was very powerful for our students and part of our Violence and Vandalism Week at DEO. Broadcasting and Podcasting:  DEO preparing students for future career opportunities DEO is making significant advancements in exposing students to different types of media. The school's commitment to modern communication was highlighted by the Broadcasting Club, which successfully published its first-ever show (linked here: DEO Morning Show S1:E1 ). Additionally, students are collaborating to create engaging podcasts for the school newspaper. By using new technology and media, students are not only mastering diverse publishing methods but are also getting early exposure to potential future career paths in media and journalism. Thank-you to the NMEF for their support of this endeavor. Berkley School: A Well Deserved Citizen of the Month Recognition Berkley School celebrated a truly special Citizen of the Month this past October. The entire school recognized Mr. George, the custodian, in a heartwarming, school-wide assembly. Students also created projects, proudly displayed throughout the hallways, honoring Mr. George's unwavering commitment to Berkley School. Simply put, the school could not operate without him. Keeping Berkley clean and operational is not just a job for Mr. George, but a deep-seated passion. UPCOMING EVENTS:  (visit the school webpages for more specific information) Upcoming Events November 3:     Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences November 4:     School's Closed - Election Day November 5:      Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences November 6-7: School's Closed - Teacher Convention November 12 :   BOE Work Session - 7:00pm November 18:    BOE Regular Session November 26:  Short Session - Thanksgiving Recess Begins Food Assistance Information & Links: https://www.nj.gov/food/get-food-this-week https://nj211.org/ https://nj211.org/resource-search/Food%20Pantries https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/   COMMUNITY BACKPACK If you are interested in more upcoming events and happenings taking place in the New Milford Community please be on the lookout for the "Community Backpack" emails that are sent out through parent square weekly. Community Backpack Link (log in required)

Monday, Nov 03 2025