The Champions' Chronicle

Dear School Community,

We are excited to share with you the Thanksgiving edition of The Champions’ Chronicle, our school district’s new newsletter. After receiving such positive feedback from our inaugural issue, we look forward to using this platform to share many more inspiring stories from our school community throughout the year.

As we reflect on all we have to be thankful for this year, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication to our schools. Your partnership makes a tremendous impact on our students' growth and success. It’s truly inspiring to see everyone come together to focus on our students and help them reach their full potential.

Throughout the first marking period, we’ve seen remarkable progress from our students. Their hard work, resilience, and enthusiasm for learning have set a strong foundation for the rest of the school year.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to share my sincere appreciation for what we have already accomplished, together, and for the continued efforts of our teachers, staff, students, and families. I hope this season provides you with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. This is a special time to reflect on our blessings, remember those less fortunate, and share our gratitude with others.

I wish you and your family a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving. Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community.

Very truly yours,

Frank D’Amico

The Lodi High School Guidance Department offers a variety of college planning initiatives designed to assist students and guide them through the college application process. These programs are the result of years of strategic development and are integral to the school’s continued commitment to preparing students for success after high school.

The foundation of Lodi High’s college and career readiness programs can be traced back nearly a decade to when Superintendent Frank D’Amico, then the high school principal, set a goal to enhance the school’s focus on college and career planning. Under his leadership, several physical changes took place in the school to promote a college- and career-ready atmosphere such as the College and Career Center in the Media Center and College Boulevard hallway informational signage.

“As the Director of Guidance, I am proud to continue the work started by Mr. D’Amico,” said Christine Orosz. “Under his leadership, we have developed and implemented a variety of programs aimed at helping students navigate the college planning process. These efforts have contributed to an increase in the percentage of Lodi High School graduates pursuing higher education, with nearly 63% of the class of 2024 attending four-year colleges.”

The department's initiatives include events such as College Kickoff Week, where college admissions counselors visit the school to offer informational sessions for students. These sessions are designed to help both seniors and underclassmen understand the steps involved in the college application process and the opportunities available to them.

Another highlight is the Super Instant Decision Day that takes place each year in November, where students have the opportunity to meet with college admissions counselors, interview on the spot, and receive immediate admissions decisions. Students completed 72 applications to 17 Colleges/Universities, and since participating colleges waived the fee application for this event, students saved a total of $3,090. Collectively, students received 64 acceptances with 8 students waitlisted. A total of $277,500 was offered in scholarships at this event.

In addition to these events, the guidance department offers a wide range of other resources for students, including:

• Financial Aid information sessions and FAFSA workshops
• The QuestBridge scholarship program for top academic students
• NJ Seeds, a college preparatory program for juniors
• The NJ Stars Program providing free Bergen County Community College tuition to the top 15 percent of the high school graduating class
• Free PSAT testing for grades 8-11
• College admissions workshops and essay writing classes
• SAT vs. ACT informational sessions
• Interview preparation for underclassmen
• FAFSA Day for families to receive individualized help completing their FAFSA applications
  

“These programs are designed to support students at every stage of their college planning journey,” Orosz added. “We are committed to helping students and their families, especially those who may be first-generation college-bound, navigate the complexities of the college application process and ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.”

Last week, the New Jersey State Department of Education announced that two Lodi Public Schools teachers have been selected as 2024 Exemplary Educators.

Superintendent Frank D’Amico said he is thrilled to recognize Wilson third grade language arts teacher Linda Tucci and Washington second grade teacher Dana Breitwieser. Both were also honored by the Board of Education at its meeting this week.

In January, the New Jersey Department of Education reached out to administrators throughout the state in search of candidates for the 2024 Exemplary Educator Recognition Program, said Washington Principal Kevin Dowson.

Nominees for the award had to meet the following criteria:

• Taught for at least five years
• Demonstrated exceptional teaching and leadership abilities
• Received a rating of effective or highly effective on the latest summative evaluation
• Have a positive impact on their students, colleagues, and the school community
• Possess a clear vision for quality teaching and learning

“As her building principal, colleague, and friend, I am extremely proud of Mrs. Breitwieser's extraordinary accomplishment; however, I cannot say that I am surprised that her resume stood up to the rigorous selection process,” Dowson noted. “Mrs. Breitwieser always models the tenets of a high-caliber educator, and without exception. She is well-adept at meeting the diverse learning needs of her students, both within the academic arena, and the social-emotional context. Mrs. Breitwieser proves tireless in her preparation and is devoted to ensuring that all the students in her charge reach their highest levels of academic achievement. Mrs. Breitwieser is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave and consistently models behaviors that inspire and motivate both her colleagues and her students to achieve their full potential.”

Wilson Principal Dr. Christie Vanderhook said she was thrilled to learn about Mrs. Tucci’s selection for this award.

“This is an incredible honor bestowed upon just 150 educators across the state,” she said. “Being nominated for this prestigious recognition is remarkable, but being selected is truly extraordinary. Mrs. Tucci’s dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to our students at Wilson Elementary School make her more than deserving of this exclusive award. She continually goes above and beyond to inspire excellence in her classroom, and we are so proud to have her as part of our school community. Congratulations, Mrs. Tucci!”

Both teachers said they were surprised and incredibly honored to be recognized. Congratulations!

How long have you worked in the district, and have you worked in other roles?

I have worked for Lodi Public Schools for my entire educational career, 21 years. Earlier in my career I taught second grade and fifth grade.

What is your favorite thing about working at Wilson School and for Lodi Public Schools?

One of my favorite things about working at Wilson School and for Lodi Public Schools is the people. I enjoy working with the administration and fellow teachers to benefit the children.

What do you like about working in education?
I really enjoy working with the children. I feel that one of the most important things I can do is make a connection with the children and hopefully make a positive impact not only in their education but in their lives. (“Team Tucci forever” is our class motto.)

What is the most challenging thing about your position?
The most challenging thing about being a teacher for me is striving to reach all learners, giving them the confidence in their ability to succeed not only in school but in life. It is important to me to know that each child knows they matter and can achieve.

Where did you receive your own education?

I attended Montclair State University where I received my Bachelor of Arts and Walden University where I received my Master of Science - Curriculum Education.

Can you share something fun about yourself? I love baking and spending time with my husband, Lou, and my 16-year- old Bischon Frise, Ashley. I was also Teacher of the Year in 2016.

This is my 16th year teaching in the Lodi School District. I am also the Intervention and Services Coordinator, on the NJTSS Data Team and School Safety Team, and I am the adviser for both the Yearbook Club and the STEAM Club in our building.

What is your favorite thing about working at Washington School and for Lodi Public Schools?

Walking into Washington School has always felt like walking into my home away from home. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my second-grade team and all my coworkers. I feel extremely fortunate that my teaching career has wound up here. The town of Lodi has always held a special place in my heart from attending dance school in town as a child, finding friends here that I still have well into adulthood, and teaching here. I feel fortunate and proud to be part of Lodi Public Schools.

What do you like about working in education?

What is the most challenging thing about your position?

Education and student needs are always evolving. Changes can happen on a day-to-day basis, so educators have to be able to easily adapt at a moment's notice. We all want to be able to show that empathetic side to our students when meeting their individual needs.

Where did you receive your own education?

I attended Montclair State University and received a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Studies with a Concentration in K-5 Education.

Can you share something fun about yourself?
I have two children at home: Nathan, who is 8, and Cailyn, who is 4. I am also a huge Beatles fan and have been fortunate to be able to see Paul McCartney in concert three times!

Launched in October, the Lodi High School Innovation Committee was quick to make an impact through members’ creativity and collaboration. The Committee, comprised of students, teachers, and administrators, used both tools in the LHS Innovation Lab and materials produced by Mr. Antonio Gaetano’s construction classes to craft gifts for local veterans as a “thank you” for their military service.

The construction students built shadow box frames, which students in the Innovation Lab filled with red, white, and blue flowers arranged to resemble our American flag. These students then celebrated Veterans Day by presenting the finished products to veterans at the American Legion Post 136 in Lodi. During the presentation, the veterans shared stories from their pasts and expressed great appreciation for the students’ recognition of their service and the sacrifices they made for our country.

Many of the veterans became emotional in receipt of the gifts, but the students were also moved. They gained a greater appreciation for the values of service, duty, and honor, potentially inspiring them to become more active participants in the community.

“Our students were humbled by the experience, realizing how much of an impact they can have through acts of kindness and appreciation for others,” added Mrs. Thao Hansen, science supervisor, and Mrs. Danielle Neshan, teacher, who both mentored the student participants. Secretary Denise Pontillo also played a significant role in the project.

“Thank you to these dedicated staff members for helping students create a finished product that the students took great pride in presenting to the veterans,” said LHS Principal Michael Attanasio. “I also commend our students, who came together from different grade levels and with varying interests to spend time in ‘Lunch and Learns’ with the goal of making something for others.”

The students involved are: Connor B., Jesse B., Victorializ C., Karen C., Erda H., Sarah I., Paola R., Sydney S., Khushi T., and Sarah T.

Mrs. Hansen and Mrs. Neshan added that building connections between students and the community creates “a stronger support system” that will “foster a sense of belonging, build social capital, and foster students’ personal growth.” They also said that the experience drove home the idea “that you get out of anything what you put into it.”

Participants agreed that the Innovation Committee will create something again next year to thank veterans. In the meantime, they will continue to build on their design thinking and expand on their abilities to use the available technology to meet their design goals.

At Thomas Jefferson Middle School, seventh-grade students have the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, connect with area first responders, and challenge themselves in new ways through the Lodi Junior Police Academy. The popular program, launched more than 20 years ago by the Lodi Police Department, recently graduated its 2024 class of nearly 70 TJMS students.

Sargent Javier Hernandez led the Junior Police Academy for the first time this year, taking over from Retired Lt. Anthony Mobilio. He had support from Chief Donald Scorzetti and the entire Lodi Police Department, as well as first responders throughout the community who welcomed students for demonstrations or served as guest speakers.

“All of these individuals run this program as volunteers, and they have done so for more than 20 years,” said TJMS Principal Michael Cardone. “I commend them for doing this on their own time to engage with our students.”

Cardone said parents and students were happy and grateful at the recent graduation. “Everyone is absolutely in love with this program,” he added.

The program runs for eight weeks, introducing students to important leaders from the Police and Fire Departments in the Lodi community and throughout Bergen County. They visited the Bergen County Jail, saw a helicopter land, and participated in an activity with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad. They also tested their stamina with calisthenics and received dog tags designating them as cadets in the program.

They met every Monday for the duration of the program, gaining insight into the Police Academy experience and making important community connections.

Congratulations to all cadets and thank you, again, to the Lodi Police Department for another year of committing time and energy that our students and families appreciate.

On Monday, Oct. 28, the Hilltop School community gathered to celebrate the annual Fall Family Festival. The schoolyard was transformed with hay bales, pumpkins, corn stalks, and a fall-themed balloon arch. Students enjoyed exploring the grounds with their family and friends to pick out their special pumpkins. Other activities included a face painting station, tattoos, a guess the number of candy corn station, and a snack area. It was a perfect way to bring the school community together to celebrate the season!

A special thank you to the Lodi ShopRite, Stop and Shop, and Home Depot for their generous donations.

The staff at Lodi High School showed plenty of Halloween spirit this year! Staff members put the same energy and enthusiasm into each school day at LHS.