January 2025 Bulldog Bulletin

Is your student stressing over an upcoming exam? It can’t be nearly as intense as the QSAC (Quality Single Accountability Continuum) assessment that the district is undergoing this school year.

All New Jersey school districts have a QSAC review once every three years. A team of monitors from the New Jersey Department of Education examines every detail of the district's operation, focusing on five key areas:

1. Instruction and Programs
2. Fiscal Management
3. Governance
4. Operations
5. Personnel
   
   

The process includes a "desk review" of submitted materials and a walkthrough of school facilities (which took place in December).

This spring, the monitors will assess the district during a day-long visit. Preparation for the monitoring process typically takes about six months. The process provides an excellent opportunity for self-evaluation, as well as third-party oversight.

The district has consistently earned the designation of a high-performing district - the highest rank assigned by the New Jersey Department of Education after reviews.

It doesn’t get much better than that -- with the possible exception of scoring 100 on a physics test.

With care,

Jack Hurley

Superintendent of Schools

I’m proud to introduce the dedicated team of nine Rutherford Board of Education members working tirelessly to support our schools.

I joined the Board in 2016 and am serving my fourth consecutive year as board president. With experience as an educator, principal and chief school administrator, I bring an understanding of educational instruction, operational efficiency, strategic planning and sustainability. My focus is ensuring that the board operates with integrity and engagement to support our schools effectively.

Vice President Dennis Mazone has been a member of the board since 2015. As a public safety professional and certified emergency manager, Dennis is deeply committed to ensuring that Rutherford’s schools provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff.

Diane Jones is celebrating an incredible 26 years of service on the board. Her unmatched knowledge of our schools and community makes her a vital resource.

In his 11th year on the board, Greg Recine brings a unique blend of expertise as an engineer and physicist with academic and financial experience. Greg ensures that the board operates with respect, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.

Dennis Healey is now in his ninth year on the board. A certified Project Management Professional and NJSBA Certified Master Board Member, Dennis prioritizes student safety, achievement, and well-being through effective governance and oversight.

Chris Conti, serving his sixth year on the board, is a Chief Innovation Officer in entertainment production. Chris brings a forward-thinking approach to strategic planning, focusing on improvements and innovations that position our district for continued success.

James Sprayberry, with 35 years in technology construction, is in his sixth year on the board. James is a passionate advocate for students and applied his expertise to support the district’s 2019 referendum.

James Bogosian joined the board four years ago and brings a strong background in software engineering, IT and finance. James focuses on fostering connections among schools, families, and local organizations.

Appointed in 2023, Christina Cole is a Rutherford alum with 18 years of experience in educational leadership and a commitment to community service. Christina’s focus is on equitable opportunities for students, informed resource allocation, and fostering innovation.

These are the diverse skill sets that serve Rutherford. Thank you for your trust and support!

Sergio Alati, Ed.D

President, Rutherford Board of Education

Lincoln third-grade students are learning about weather. They discovered that all weather is formed in the troposphere (the lowest level in our atmosphere) and that clouds can often help us predict the weather.

The young scientists made clouds by adding dry ice (cold) with warm water (hot). The district’s elementary science teacher, Ms. Kessler, is training her students to be future meteorologists!

Washington School teachers seek creative ways to promote character education and positive behavior in our classrooms.

Mrs. Podolanczuk and Ms. Sampedro launched a popular initiative called “Keep the Quote” in their third-grade classroom.

Each Monday, the teachers introduce a quote that aligns with their Character Education themes and School Words of the Week, such as kindness, leadership, courage, honesty, empathy, effort, attitude, and positive behavior overall.

The quote is posted in a prominent spot in the classroom, serving as a daily reminder and inspiration for students.

Throughout the week, students are encouraged to exemplify the values reflected in the quote. If a student is “caught” demonstrating these behaviors, they are rewarded with the opportunity to “keep the quote.” They not only take the quote home, but also get the honor of having their picture displayed on the classroom door, serving as a role model for their peers.

This activity has been a wonderful way to recognize and celebrate positive behavior while reinforcing our school’s core values. This initiative not only fosters positive behavior but also encompasses Profile of a Rutherford Graduate competencies such as Character, Communication, and Citizenship. By practicing these essential skills, students are building a foundation for success both in and out of the classroom.

The Lincoln Lunch Bunch Book Club started about 10 years ago and is still going strong.

Second- and third-grade students elect to join this lunchtime club to share their love of reading. Students read five books over the course of the year and meet during lunch to discuss the book.

The third-graders started this year by hearing their classmates’ thoughts about the book Mindy Kim. Discussion of the next book, The Kid Who Ran for President, will be hosted by Dr. Jeanna Velechko.

Spoiler alert: This club is a favorite activity for school librarian Ms. Catalano!

Mrs. Finnegan invites her sixth-grade math students to embrace a challenge each day. These challenges are designed to promote critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving skills, and active engagement, and help students develop an understanding of mathematical concepts.

Recently, Mrs. Finnegan presented a particularly hard challenge. She announced that any student who could complete it would have the opportunity to serve as the teacher’s assistant for the day and create their own challenges.

An outstanding student was selected from each of Mrs. Finnegan’s two classes.

Rayhan Parvez and Tessa DePascale took on the role of teacher assistants, facilitating class discussions and encouraging questions in both science and math.

Both students exemplified the qualities of great teachers. This spring, other students will have the opportunity to become teacher assistants, working with their peers in a supportive learning environment.

English Language Learners counselor Ms. Cortes and English as a Second Language teacher Mr. Chiang hosted a celebration for their multilingual learners, showcasing the diverse backgrounds and cultures of our RHS students.

While these students may speak different languages, they share common experiences of moving to a new home and adjusting to a new environment. Building a supportive community is crucial for students' emotional well-being and academic success. It fosters connections, provides a sense of belonging, and helps students thrive as they navigate their new school and life experiences.

Rutherford Public Schools encourages a culture of generosity and service, participating in traditions that spread joy at the holidays and year-round.

Members of the Future Business Leaders of America and Future Teachers of America at Rutherford High School participated in a bear drive before the holidays.

The club members donated either $10 or a 12-inch teddy bear, then worked together to wrap the bears and bring them to a pre-K school in Jersey City. The bear was the only gift that some of the children received for the holidays.

Club members collaborated with senior citizens at the Kip Center to make the bears even more special. They donated a “dressed” bear that was left in each classroom.

In addition to the gift, the high school students donated a new book for each classroom to be included in the school’s library.

RHS students read the books aloud to the little ones and interacted with them during work time and lunchtime.

Rutherford High School’s chapter of Glamour Gals, advised by Ms. Griggs and Ms. Garcia, hosted its first event in November at the Kip Center in Rutherford. Student volunteers brought smiles and style to local senior citizens with complimentary makeovers and manicures. The event was about more than just getting “glammed up”— students engaged in great conversations and built meaningful connections with senior citizens. It was an exciting day of beauty and bonding between two generations, and the Glamour Gals look forward to the next event, set to take place in February.

The RHS chapter of the National Honor Society continued an annual tradition by spearheading a collection of gift boxes for middle school students at Newark schools.

The NHS members collaborated with students in chapters from Verona, Westwood and Lyndhurst to gather more than 520 boxes containing a mix of necessities and fun gifts.

The boxes were delivered to students at the Lafayette Street School and the Abington Avenue School in Newark.

The charitable project has grown tremendously since NHS Advisor Kelly Lancaster launched it several years ago.

The student recipients were thrilled knowing this was “their year” for the boxes. The initiative has a deep impact on all the students involved and captures the messages of citizenship and collaboration that we are proud to champion in the Rutherford Public Schools.

The members of the Union School Service Club visited the Kip Center to spend time with senior citizens and work on a craft activity together. The students helped the seniors create colorful handmade decorations, fostering a sense of community and creativity. Everyone enjoyed the experience, sharing stories and laughter while crafting.

The RHS Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society collected more than 100 new blankets and $500 worth of gift cards for Tomorrow's Children Fund at Hackensack Medical Center. The number of donations exceeded students’ goal, thanks to the generosity of the community, faculty and staff.

The students presented the donations before winter break, so they could be distributed to children undergoing chemotherapy during the holidays.

The Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society also recently hosted a book drive to donate to New Legacy Books, an organization that works with nonprofits throughout the

state for reuse or redistribution. Items were donated by members of the community,

faculty and staff.

Students in Union Middle School and Rutherford High School have won local and regional awards in the Elks Drug Awareness Contest and their works will move on to compete at the state level.

The theme of this year’s Elks contest is: “Be Kind To Your Mind - Live Drug Free.”

Union Middle School students Clara Baik (seventh grade) and Sofia Tran (eighth grade) were selected as winners in the local Elks poetry and essay writing contest.

Rutherford High School students Cem Ozcag (11th grade) and Patrick Lancaster (11th grade) were selected as winners in the local Elks video creation contest.

Additionally, written works by Sofia Tran (8th grade) and Sean Camano (8th grade) were selected by the Elks District Committee and will move forward to compete at the state level. The videos created by Cem Ozcag (11th grade) and Matteo Chovan-Dalton (12th grade) will also advance the state level.

The Hour of Code is an annual worldwide event that is designed to introduce computer science to children.

Members of Rutherford High School’s Girls Who Code and Computer Club observed the Hour of Code by guiding students at the Kindergarten Center through a fun and engaging coding experience!

Congratulations to RHS student Madison Lewis for being recognized as an outstanding NJSIAA female high school student-athlete at the 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Celebration at Rutgers University.

The senior standout has made her mark while playing on the girls basketball, girls volleyball and softball teams.

The New Jersey State Board of Education (NJSBOE) honored Rutherford Superintendent Jack Hurley (third from left) for being named New Jersey’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year.

Congratulating Mr. Hurley (from left) are NJASA Immediate Past President Dr. Michael LaSusa, New Jersey Department of Education Acting Commissioner Kevin Dehmer, NJSBOE President Kathy Goldenberg, Cindy Hurley, and New Jersey Association of School Administrators Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza.

"Education is the greatest profession. We lay the foundation for all other fields and shape the future of our students,” said Mr. Hurley, whose career at Rutherford Public Schools spans 47 years. "This recognition belongs to the Board, our dedicated administrative and supervisory teams, faculty, staff, students, and the supportive community of Rutherford.”