Let's Talk TPS

As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary/Graduating Class of Tenafly High School, and its Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Yuanning (Helen) Hui, I thought I’d share what I’ve learned about our Valedictorians from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago:

Class of 1999- Sara Froikin Gordon

Sara Froikin, who is now 43 years old, was once a member of THS’ Cross Country Track team. She graduated from Yale University, became an environmental lawyer, and worked as the Attorney General of the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2018, Sara was named a Glen Rock (NJ) Environmental Commissioner and best known for the work she did with the Trex Plastic Film Challenge. She still lives in Bergen County.

Class of 1974 - Sharon Begley

The 1974 issue of the Tenakin does not reveal much about Sharon Begley, yet her post-high school years were noteworthy. After earning a BA degree in combined sciences from Yale University, she worked as a science columnist for The Wall Street Journal, science editor of Newsweek, and as the senior health & science correspondent for Reuters. Sharon also authored several books including Can't Just Stop: An Investigation of Compulsions (2017), received numerous awards for her writing, and spoke before many audiences about science-related topics. She was the senior science writer at the life sciences publication of the Boston Globe when she passed away in January 2021.

Class of 1949 - W. Darby Glenn, III, M.D. and Elaine T. Fridlund Lester

The Class of 1949 had co-Valedictorians, William Glenn and Elaine Fridlund. Elaine was the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Tenakin, the Art Editor of Echo, and played girls soccer and baseball. William was on the track team, in the Spanish and Science clubs, and on the Echo and Tenakin staff. After graduation, she earned a degree in English from Connecticut College and raised a family in Massachusetts. He went to Harvard, then medical school, and was Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He has had a distinguished medical career in Otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery, and currently resides in Florida.

Class of 1925 - August Wiesner, Jr.

It seems August Wiesner, Jr. holds the honor of being THS’ first Valedictorian. He was the Editor-in-chief of the Echo and the Tenakin, captain of the debate team and Class President. During his adult years, he was an editor of an Englewood weekly publication and served on the Englewood Board of Education.

Following in the impressive path of her predecessors, the Class of 2024’s Valedictorian is headed off to Princeton University this fall. Helen plans to study Chemical and Biological Engineering. Perhaps in 25 years, the next generation will reflect on her post-high school career. I have no doubt that it will be a very impressive story to tell!

Congratulations to all of our THS Class of 2024 graduates - and enjoy your summer everyone!

Yours in Education,

Michael Ben-David J.D./M.Ed.

Superintendent of Schools

Board Meeting at Central Office - Monday, July 8, 2024

Regular Board Meeting at Central Office - Monday, July 22, 2024

For the Board Agenda, click HERE. (Updated on Friday afternoon before Board meetings).

For the Zoom link, click HERE.

Sixteen staff members will soon be enjoying their retirement years! We recently recognized these dedicated teachers and support staff members for their many years of service. During the Board meeting, each school principal said a few words offering their "best wishes" - including to some Tenafly "giants" such as Cordelia Bergamo, who has been teaching music in the district for over 50 years! Happy Retirement to all!

TMS

Seung Yoon, ELL/ESL Teacher - 22 years

Donna Girvan, Teacher, Music (vocal) - 26 yrs

THS

Colleen Johnson, Teacher, Family/Consumer Science - 16 years

Jim Millar, Teacher, Music - 20 years

Nancy Nager, Teacher, Math - 29 years

Tom Hutchinson, SS Teacher - 27 years

Cindy Cassiello, School Nurse -19 years

Margaret Wissler, Teacher, Math - 28 years

James Laux, Teacher, Math - 30 years

SMITH SCHOOL

Lorraine Hagens, Paraprofessional - 7 years

STILLMAN SCHOOL

Cheryl Fitzgerald, Speech Language Specialist, 9 years

MAUGHAM SCHOOL

Elisa Schwartz, Speech Language Specialist - 17 years

Cordelia Bergamo, Teacher, Music - 51 years

MACKAY SCHOOL

Carolyn Burdy, Teacher Basic Skills - 36 years

DISTRICT

Lisa White, Teacher LDTC - 17 years

Sue Martins, Social Worker - 26 years

Central Office will not be the same without the presence of our Interim Assistant Superintendent, Jeff Gorman. With more than 35 years of experience in public education, we have been very fortunate to have Dr. Gorman with us over the past two years. He has made significant changes in the areas of technology integration, and in our curriculum and instruction programs. Dr. Gorman also led the district's DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee, renewing our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff. On behalf of Tenafly's Board of Education (and all of us), Board President, Jocelyn Schwarz, wished Dr. Gorman (far right in this image) all the best as he joins Robbinsville School District as their Interim Superintendent.

Be sure to check out the summer readings and assignments listed on our website. Visit the Parent/Summer Readings & Assignments section, and continue to do so throughout the month of June for the latest information listed by grade levels and/or specific class courses.

The Tenafly Public Schools Board of Education is committed to providing the community with the information it needs about the bond referendum planned for September 17. Please mark your calendars for opportunities to learn about this important vote:

• Monday, July 8 at 7pm - Board of Education meeting (virtual and in-person) to discuss referendum funding and consider ballot language for the September vote - click HERE for meeting details.
• Monday, August 5 at 7pm – Virtual Forum, including time for questions. A link will be available on the referendum website: tenaflyschools.org/vote. The forum will be recorded and posted at a later date for anyone who is unable to attend.
• Monday, September 9 at 7pm – In-person Forum in the Tenafly Middle School auditorium (10 Sunset Lane), including time for questions and an optional building tour. The tour will cover areas of the school and the Geissinger Athletic Complex where improvements are proposed.

Visit tenaflyschools.org/vote for more details.

WE WILL RETURN IN LATE AUGUST! HAPPY SUMMER!

If you have a story idea for this newsletter, please contact Ms. Terry Corallo - tcorallo@tenafly.k12.nj.us. Please try to provide at least one month's advance notice.

If you have have a question or concern related to your student, please first contact their teacher. For additional support, you may contact your building principal:

• Mackay School - hchizzik@tenafly.k12.nj.us
• Maugham School - jferrara@tenafly.k12.nj.us
• Smith School - dgeorge@tenafly.k12.nj.us
• Stillman School - glander@tenafly.k12.nj.us
• Tenafly Middle School - jfabbo@tenafly.k12.nj.us
• Tenafly High School - jmorrison@tenafly.k12.nj.us