The Champions' Chronicle

What did you enjoy most about the Lodi experience?

There was a strong sense of community, but moreover, the teachers always went above and beyond the call of duty. They were always there to help us learn and grow, not only in the subject they taught, but in life as well. I recall teachers, with their own money, going out and buying social or prom dresses for students in need. They were there to talk to for advice, and it was always candid and helpful. The same could be said of the administration. They were always involved deeply in our education. Principals and vice principals didn't just sit in their offices. They were out in the school community; they engaged with us.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher was Mrs. LoPresti at LHS. She was one of those special teachers who always went above and beyond. I had her for Honors English and Yearbook. She was also my National Honor Society (NHS) advisor. She was a tough teacher, and she really pushed us to do our best. She was also caring and always willing to help a student in need. When I was serving as yearbook editor and president of NHS, she taught me great lessons on how to be a leader. She instilled in me to always consider the other person's side/motives/thoughts/background when in a situation of conflict or conversation, basically to always play the "devil's advocate" when approaching situations. I still use that lesson today in my career and in my life. Mrs. LoPresti still keeps in touch today, and she still gives great advice and life lessons. She was even a guest at my wedding!

Do you come back to visit?

Since leaving Lodi Public Schools, I have visited many times. I also served on the school board for a number of years, so that brought me into the schools many times. Today, I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County. We run programs in Lodi schools, so that also keeps me engaged in the school community.

Did you feel your years in Lodi inspired you to pursue your career?

Yes, absolutely! I was instilled with the importance of volunteerism and community service when I was a student in the Lodi Public Schools. We were always pushed to give back to the community!

What is your most proud accomplishment?

Certainly, my most proud personal accomplishment is my two children, Noelle (7) and Nico (3). Second to that would be my election three times to the Lodi Board of Education. It was an honor to be entrusted by the community where I was raised to serve and impact the school community that gave me so much. And, at my current job, I was able to secure $4.5 million in grant funds (over 10 years) to bring an after-school enrichment program to Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Lodi.

Where did you attend college/university?

I received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Seton Hall University in South Orange. I also have a certificate in accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.

Can you tell me something interesting about yourself?

Something interesting about me is that I have Cold Urticaria, which is a rare condition that causes an allergic reaction to cold temperatures. It usually triggers a rash or hives after exposure to cold air, water, food or drink. But symptoms can be more severe, such as hypotension.

I am also the son of Franche Coma, original and first lead guitarist for the Famous Punk Rock Band the MISFITS.

In addition, I am also the co-founder and president of Lodi Cares, Inc., a nonprofit educational foundation that provides college scholarships to Lodi students.

Where do you live now?

I live in North Haledon, New Jersey.

When did you serve on the Lodi Board of Education?

I served on the Lodi Board of Education from 2009-2016.

• President 2011-2016

• Vice President 2009-2011

"Jackie Vitiello has a true passion for teaching, which is evident in the way she engages her students. Ms. Vitiello makes even the most complex topics approachable and interesting. She has a unique ability to inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and motivate her students to do their best. More than just imparting knowledge, she teaches valuable life lessons, demonstrating kindness, patience, and respect for each individual. Over the last 26 years in education, Jackie has never wavered from her enthusiasm and dedication to her classes and her family at TJMS."

- Michael Cardone, TJMS Principal

What is your favorite thing about teaching at Lodi

My favorite thing about teaching in Lodi is the community of administrators, teachers, and students here at TJMS. This school community is filled with so much love, passion, dedication, and respect, which makes coming to work a very easy thing to do.

How long have you worked in the district?

I have been an eighth grade language arts teacher at TJMS for 26 years. I currently teach language arts and honors language arts.

What are your favorite things about working in education?

The students are my favorite thing about working in education. Because I have been teaching language arts for 26 years, they always ask me if I am bored reading the same stories and books year after year. The answer is a clear, “No.” The stories and books that we read may stay the same, but the students’ reactions and involvement in the literature that we read is what makes it truly special and “different” to me. The different personalities, the expectations, the love, the dedication, and the reactions of my students are what make it seem “new” year after year.

Do you lead any extracurriculars?

I am the basketball cheerleading coach at TJMS. I was the coach from 2000-2011, and then from 2021-present. We cheer for both the boys' and girls' basketball teams.

Where did you attend college/university?

I graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I then received a post baccalaureate degree from William Paterson University in education. A few years later, I received my master's degree in psychology from New Jersey City University. Lastly, I also have 30 post master's credits.

Can you share some fun facts about yourself?

I love cooking and entertaining and spending time with my family and friends. I especially enjoy spending all the time that I can with my 13-year-old son, Luke.

Lodi High School may not be near the beach, but it has the only surf club in northern New Jersey.

The surf club is the result of a passionate educator and surfer, LHS Art Teacher Matthew Nicolosi, who wanted to share his love of surfing with his students. Many students told him they would love to learn to surf but living miles and miles away from the closest beach made that difficult.

Nicolosi, who learned to surf at 10 years old, started coming to the DreamWorks Water Park at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford where they have surfing school SkudinSurf, right after it opened.

So, three years ago, he decided to share his passion for his favorite hobby with his students and created a club that would give students a chance to experience what it is like to catch a wave and learn to surf.

Senior Emma Porter said she enjoys the independence of surfing and loved learning to surf through the club so much that she wants to surf for the rest of her life.

The club normally enjoys surfing outings at the water park three or more times per year. On a recent outing, the club met for an evening surf lesson at the water park. Nicolosi is a lifeguard and instructor at the park and arranged for the club members to come to the water park, take a lesson and then enjoy some time surfing in the indoor wave pool.

"The wave pool affords these students an opportunity to work on the basics and mechanics of surfing in a condensed and controlled environment," he said. "There are very few places in the world that offer that opportunity."

“It is a gift to be able to share this with them,” said Nicolosi, who noted that that the lessons and surfing are offered in the early mornings and evenings when the water park is closed to the public.

Hilltop students in grades 3-5 participated in Holiday Bingo that brought cheer and joy to all students this past holiday season! The game was filled with holiday-themed words and activities that kept students engaged. There were fun prizes for the winners and every student was able to enjoy holiday desserts. Thank you to everyone who helped organize the successful event.

Lodi High School Pre-Med Club students participated in their first HOSA - Future Health Professionals competition on Jan. 18 at the Passaic County Technical Vocational Institute and were met with great success! Students chose individual topics in the healthcare field to compete in like medical assisting, medical terminology and pathophysiology. Twenty of the top Pre-Med Club students competed. Delbert Juhudi, a junior who competed in pathophysiology and Amy Marte, a senior who competed in medical assisting, placed in the top 5 in their competition categories. Over 1,000 students competed at the event.

“I am so proud of my students,” said Club Advisor Virginia Fasulo. “This was their first year competing and many of them are freshmen. I can’t wait until next year.”

LHS was one of the few non-tech schools to participate in this competition, let alone place! LHS prides itself on having robust programs to help students prepare for their futures and a comprehensive medical lab for students to do hands-on learning.

Congratulations to all the students and Ms. Fasulo who participated in this event!

During January, Wilson Elementary School hosted the NED Resilience Ride, an engaging character education program that focuses on three important messages: Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best. Through a lively assembly filled with storytelling, magic, humor, and exciting yo-yo tricks, students learned about the importance of these lifelong skills and how they can apply them in their daily lives.

Principal Dr. Christie Vanderhook shared her thoughts on the program: “The students were absolutely captivated by the NED show. It was incredible to see them so engaged and inspired by the messages of resilience and kindness. Programs like this have a lasting impact, reinforcing the values we teach every day at Wilson. We can’t wait to welcome the NED show back again next year because of the positive influence it had on our students.”

Wilson Elementary believes in the power of character education to shape well-rounded, compassionate individuals. The NED Resilience Ride was a wonderful reminder of the importance of never giving up, lifting each other up, and striving to do our best in all that we do!

Lodi High School freshmen learned about the dangers of fentanyl at an assembly on Nov. 20, organized in partnership with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. The session focused on raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has become a major public health crisis across the United States.

During the assembly, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella shared vital information. The presentation included real-life examples, statistics on fentanyl-related overdoses, and insight into the ways it affects individuals and communities. The BCPO also discussed the warning signs of opioid overdose, and the importance of knowing how to respond in emergency situations, including the use of Narcan (naloxone), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Interactive discussions allowed students to ask questions and express their concerns. The event was aimed at not only educating students on the risks associated with fentanyl but also empowering them with the knowledge to make safer decisions and spread awareness among their peers.

This assembly was a crucial part of the school’s ongoing commitment to student safety and education, ensuring that the next generation understands the very real dangers posed by fentanyl and other harmful substances. By partnering with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Lodi High School is actively working to create a safer, more informed environment for its students.