The Champions' Chronicle

Lodi Public Schools applied for Pre-K Expansion Aid over the summer. The district recently got the good news that our application was approved and we will receive the additional funding. In addition to adding two full-day, 4-year-old classrooms in our district (Washington School and Hilltop School) this year, the aid will allow us to partner with local providers to expand access to preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in Lodi over the next five years. Additionally, it will support a preschool inclusion class in one of our elementary schools this year so we can address and support the developmental needs of special education students in our district. This program will be offered via lottery to start, with the goal to be able to service all eligible students within five years.

Lodi Public Schools, which has made student mental health a top priority, is expanding its Thrive counseling program to its five elementary schools.

Lodi Public Schools Director of Counseling Christine Orosz said the program started in the high school and middle school last year and was expanded to the elementary schools for the 2024-25 school year. Superintendent Frank D’Amico recognized the importance of having mental health support at all levels for students, and, with his support, and the support of the Lodi Board of Education, the district was able to bring Thrive to all district students.

“We wanted to make it more convenient for our students to have access to mental health services,” Orosz said. “Thrive’s licensed clinicians become part of the school. They are embedded with the staff and work closely with guidance, the administration, and the child study team.”

Thrive Alliance Group also has experience in education as its Executive Director Patricia Hovey is a former school district director of special education.

“It is the school’s first and primary goal to educate students, but we really also wanted to bring mental health services to our students, and it really is more accessible to have the clinicians right in our schools,” Orosz said.

Typically, when a school counselor refers a student to an outside program, the student must find transportation and the parent must find a counselor who is part of their insurance. Now, this program is right at the school with clinicians available to offer sessions during the school day, and the service is paid for by the school district.

Read more on our website.

How long have you worked in Lodi Public Schools and how long have you been in your current position?

This is my 15th year in the Lodi School District and my first year as the Supervisor of Athletics and Activities. Prior to this role, I was a Health & Physical Education Teacher at Lodi HS.

Can you tell me what it entails to be the Athletic Director and Supervisor of Extra-Curricular Clubs and Activities?

I organize, plan, and schedule all high school athletic events as well as high school extracurricular activities. This includes all athletic teams and clubs like the student council, Red Cross club, drama club, and more. I spend much of my day scheduling and planning events, aiming to stay six months ahead. After school, I attend home sporting events to support our student-athletes and ensure that all events run smoothly.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Building rapport with students and guiding them outside the classroom is one of my favorite aspects of the job. Additionally, the collaboration within Lodi Athletics is something I truly value. From coaches to athletes, parents, and administrators, each person plays a pivotal role in building our athletic program. Being able to trust and rely on this village of supporters is amazing.

What do you enjoy about working at Lodi Public Schools?

I enjoy working with a dedicated staff and being part of a community that truly supports its students’ growth and success, both academically and in extracurricular activities.

There are not very many female athletic directors in New Jersey. What does it mean to be among a select few and growing number?

It’s an honor to be part of a growing number of female athletic directors. I hope to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles in athletics and break barriers in the field.

Can you share some fun facts about yourself?

I’m a product of the Lodi School system, having attended Wilson School, TJMS, and Lodi High School. I love spending time with my family at the New Jersey Shore and take advantage of any biking and hiking opportunities that come my way.

Four students at Lodi High School earned academic honors from the College Board Recognition Program. Please join us in congratulating: Jaiden Abreau, Mirko Ghobrial, Amy Marte, and Kayla Neely.

Every student accomplishes a unique set of achievements during high school worth celebrating. Doing the work is the hard part. Being recognized for it should be easy.

That’s why the College Board celebrates students and their academic accomplishments each school year and we are happy to further shine a spotlight on our high-achieving students.

The College Board National Recognition Programs create pathways to college for underrepresented students by awarding them academic honors and connecting them with universities across the country. The program opens college access for more students because many institutions use the awards for their recruitment efforts.

The awards aren’t only a chance for school communities to celebrate. Many colleges intentionally recruit awardees through College Board’s Student Search Service.

We’re thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments.

To be eligible, they met the following criteria to qualify:

• Earn a GPA of B+ or higher.

• PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.

• Attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, or a first-generation college students

A note of appreciation from Superintendent Frank D’Amico...

The Week of Respect (Oct. 7-11) is a statewide initiative in New Jersey that promotes anti-bullying and fosters a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusivity in schools. This week encourages schools to engage in activities that highlight the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, helping to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.

I want to commend our counselors for their incredible efforts in organizing a variety of events throughout our district to celebrate this important week. Their dedication to promoting kindness and inclusivity has truly made a positive impact on our students. From interactive workshops and awareness campaigns to creative activities that encourage teamwork and understanding, our counselors have led the way in fostering a sense of community and respect among our students.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to making our schools a better place for everyone!

Enjoy snapshots below from our schools’ Week of Respect events.

Throughout TJMS, students and staff participated in Week of Respect events. TJMS student ambassadors wrote chalk messages to spread positivity. School counselors and students penned positive post-it notes that hung from classroom doors and lockers. Lastly, students and staff participated in the Police Walk, during which the Lodi Police Department walked students to school to promote kindness and a sense of community.

Hilltop School students enjoyed a special assembly from two superheroes with Omegaman & Friends who spoke with them about respect, kindness, and building a positive school environment. Students enjoyed the assembly, which reinforced the Hilltop School Pledge of “treating others the way we want to be treated in return.”

Omegaman & Friends also visited Washington Elementary during the Week of Respect to perform amazing feats of strength, while sharing heartfelt and inspirational anti-bullying messages with a focus on being kind and making good choices. This Social-Emotional Learning assembly coincided with Be a Hero Day, on which students and staff were encouraged to wear superhero attire to school to demonstrate a unified commitment to doing the right thing and helping others.

Wilson Elementary School Students enjoyed a PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) pep rally as part of a culmination of Red Ribbon Week activities on Friday, Nov. 1. Red Ribbon Week is recognized nationally and has become the largest drug abuse prevention campaign. At the elementary level, that campaign largely focuses on making good choices.

Wilson students exhibiting PBIS received PAWS tickets for making good choices and being a positive helper/student throughout the school year. (P.A.W.S stands for: Positive, Accountable, Well-behaved, and Scholarly; students can win awards for different reasons.) The pep rally is an annual event to both celebrate school spirit and discuss expectations so students can continue to have a successful year, both as individuals and as part of our school community. School mascot Percy the Panther shows up for fun and the school joins together for a sing-along. Blue spirit items are also given away.

*Note: Photos are from last year's assembly.

Students Domenica Humala, sophomore, and Gerson Smith, senior, were named Students of the Week by Northjersey.com. Having two Lodi students selected for the very first week of this North Jersey recognition program is an honor and reflects the many leaders we have throughout our student body.

The Lodi Fire Prevention Bureau visited Columbus School to discuss fire safety with the kids. Our students toured the fire truck and learned about fire safety in the home. Thank you to our first responders who partnered with us on this important educational event.

Lodi High School is excited to launch a strength and conditioning program, which is open to all Lodi High School students. The program offers after-school open lifts, available Monday through Friday, providing a great opportunity for students to enhance their fitness and overall well-being.

In addition to general student access, the program will offer specialized team workouts both during the season and off-season to support athletic development. The program is led by Coach Messmer, a certified fitness trainer. Coach Messmer collaborates closely with our athletic trainer to implement rehabilitation programs and injury prevention practices within the program.

“We are committed to providing a comprehensive program that meets the needs of all students, whether they are looking to improve their personal fitness or excel in their sport,” said Alyson Gorski, supervisor of athletics and activities.

On Oct. 11, Roosevelt School’s PreK and Kindergarten classes attended a field trip to Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ. Students learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin and took a tractor ride through the many different apple orchards of the farm. All students came home with their very own pumpkins for the fall season!

Lodi High School celebrated its 2024 Homecoming on Oct. 12 with a memorable ceremony and dance. For the first time, the event honored a Homecoming King along with his court. Over 60 students applied for the King and Queen positions by submitting essays, which were reviewed anonymously and voted on by school leaders. In the evening, 200 students attended the Homecoming dance, where the winners were announced and celebrated. Congratulations to all!

2024 Homecoming Queen: Sierra Martes

• 1st Runner-Up: Kaylany Espinoza
• 2nd Runner-Up: Kristiana Hartofilis
• 3rd Runner-Up: Lisbeth Aquino

2024 Homecoming King: Nicholas Betancourth

• 1st Runner-Up: Nova Boehm
• 2nd Runner-Up: Isaiah Rosario