The Champions' Chronicle
A Look into Lodi Public Schools
A fresh take on a standard practice in schools has united the entire school community. Lodi High School (LHS) transformed the morning announcements into a full-blown morning show, with a production manager, graphic designer, and co-hosts, all of whom are students.
Less than a year ago, morning announcements at LHS were voiced over a loudspeaker. Now, the format has grown into a forward-thinking, live-streamed multimedia daily broadcast.
Michael Attanasio, first-year principal at LHS, wanted to bring a more inclusive and hands-on approach to the morning announcements; Media Specialist and English Teacher Danielle Neshan was on board with that idea.
“This new way to do announcements has brought us all a little closer together,” said Neshan.
At about 8:05 a.m. every school day, the LHS Morning Show is on in every homeroom. Neshan described how students and even staff members are more engaged in the announcements and have truly become invested in them.
“Students now have a better sense of what is going on in their schools and how they can get more involved,” added Neshan.
This vision started on a Chromebook back in September. Students were reading from pieces of paper; there was poor sound quality, limited lighting, no real camera other than the one on the Chromebook, and a whiteboard as the background.
Within that first month, senior student Sebastian Amrozy knew he could help take the show’s production to the next level.
“Ever since I was brought onto the team, I have dedicated myself to bettering all aspects of the morning show,” said Sebastian. “This ranges from things such as how it's presented, how the announcers act and talk, teaching the new members how everything works, and helping connect the morning show to the school as a whole.”
He added, “I have always wanted to create videos but never had the means to do so; now with the LHS Morning Show, it helps me shine.”
Every morning Sebastian comes in extra early to set up the studio in time for the broadcast.
“This role can help me gain experience for future endeavors and possibly a future career in filming,” said Sebastian. “I really couldn’t have done the morning show alone though. I was able to get help from everyone possible ranging from the announcers giving undivided attention, to other students showing their passion and working on the show with me, or teachers giving their input and helping the announcements be their best. One special mention is Mr. Bareiss who was able to get most, if not all, of the equipment that we use today.”
Engineering and Physics Teacher Errol Bareiss stepped in to help and bring it all together – mostly with things lying around his STEM lab or even items rescued from the trash.
“The custodians all check with me before they throw anything out because they know I like to reuse items in my classes,” said Bareiss.
For example, he used metal from a collapsed greenhouse and made it into a boom mic. He turned a SMART Board mount on wheels into a multi-functional light and wire holder. He said some of these miscellaneous pieces had been laying around his classroom for years.
One of the most impressive items he was able to build using extremely limited materials was the teleprompter, which really helped enhance the experience of this professional production. Bareiss found a tripod on the curb, and with the help of his Engineering 2 students, 3D printed some parts and used other materials like foam core and glue to assemble a fully functioning teleprompter.
“Nothing teaches you like a personal project. It is amazing to see students get so passionate about a project,” he explained. “Our students are really motivated by finding the ‘why’ in a project and to see their work in action practically every day really boosted interest and engagement.”
Eight juniors are chosen at the end of the school year for the announcements the following year, with two of them co-hosting each marking period. Students go through a rigorous application process, and the final selections are made by Assistant Principal Michael O'Brien.
“Sophomores are now coming up to me asking how to get involved,” said Neshan. “That has never happened before.”
“This production has grown leaps and bounds since starting this last Fall,” said Attanasio. “It has truly sparked student collaboration from the ground up.”
Mrs. Ciaccio has been teaching at Columbus School for 24 years. Currently, she teaches third grade math, science, and social studies.
Mrs. Ciaccio is no stranger to Lodi, or even Columbus School. She was raised in Lodi and even attended Columbus School as a child.
"I always wanted to be a teacher, and I felt that there would be no other place better than Columbus," Ciaccio said. "This school was most familiar to me and carried so many lifelong memories. I was able to share my experiences with my own children who attended Columbus for most of their elementary education. Columbus School has always had a family-like atmosphere, which is why I was proud to teach here and allow my children to experience the same education I did."
"Being able to see all my students overcome this task is truly rewarding," she added. "I enjoy watching the light bulbs go off in my students' minds and seeing the moment in their eyes when everything clicks. I hope to be a part of my students' core memories as they navigate through the rest of their childhood and adult lives."
Mrs. Ciaccio attended William Paterson University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Education. She then earned a master's degree in Education with a specialization in Mathematics Grades K-5 at Walden University.
Social Work Program Coordinator at Ramapo College; Psychotherapist
Ayala is a 2015 graduate of Lodi High School.
How did Lodi Public Schools help prepare you for your future?
Lodi helped me prepare by providing a strong educational foundation and countless opportunities to grow both academically and personally. The dedicated teachers and staff encouraged me to challenge myself, think critically, and pursue my passions. Through engaging coursework, extracurricular activities, and leadership opportunities, I developed the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond high school. The sense of community in Lodi schools fostered a supportive environment where I felt valued and motivated to strive for my goals. From teamwork in sports to responsibility in clubs, I gained experiences that shaped my character and taught me the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and dedication. Additionally, the guidance department played a crucial role in helping me explore future opportunities, such as the NJ STARS program at Bergen Community College, which set me on the path to success. I am grateful for the foundation that Lodi Public Schools provided, as it has prepared me to take on new challenges and achieve my aspirations.
What is your favorite memory from school?
Senior year was an incredible time. We were so close to the finish line yet cherished the strong sense of community we had built over the years. Despite coming from different backgrounds and experiences, we were united. I vividly remember one of our last pep rallies, where our motto was "Making H15tory." The energy, the excitement – it was a moment of pure school spirit.
What’s really special is that my journey in Lodi came full circle. I started with so many of my classmates back in elementary school, and all those years later, we walked across the stage at graduation together. It says so much about the bonds we built in our community. Now, 10 years later, I’m still in touch with many of them. It’s amazing to see where life has taken us, but it all started here.
What was your favorite class and why?
Science was always my favorite. I loved the hands-on learning, the experiments, and the process of understanding why things work the way they do in our world. Even when life felt uncertain, science made sense. I was so drawn to it that for a while, I thought I wanted to be in the medical field. I explored that path, but ultimately, life took me in a different direction. Looking back, I had to start there to get to where I am today. The curiosity and analytical thinking that science sparked in me helped shape the way I approach problem-solving in my field now.
What advice would you give current students to get the most out of their educational experience in the Lodi School District?
Get involved. Join clubs, play a sport, or participate in activities that spark your interest. Some of my best memories and friendships came from extracurriculars.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from your teachers and mentors. They are there to support you, and you’ll realize later how much their advice can shape your future. Lastly, don’t rush through it – enjoy the journey! You’re building memories that will stay with you long after graduation.
Congratulations Kaleb Ortiz, senior at Lodi High School, for being selected as North Jersey Student of the Week.
“Kaleb exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and leadership at Lodi High School. As a senior, he has overcome significant challenges, quickly mastering English after arriving in the United States. Kaleb dedicates his time to helping fellow students improve their English language skills. On the field, Kaleb demonstrates his versatility and teamwork as a valued member of the soccer and volleyball teams,” the article stated.
Lodi Softball Legends, Bernardo and Zito, Lead Teams Against One Another
A true full-circle moment happened for the Lodi softball world. Softball coach Emma Bernardo, a 2018 graduate of Lodi High School (LHS), teed up to play her mother’s team this past Saturday. Patti Zito-Bernardo, Emma’s mom and a 1987 graduate of LHS, is well known in Lodi for her exceptional softball career, during which she led an undefeated team to a state championship. Now, she is the assistant coach of New Milford High School (NMHS).
On Saturday, LHS faced NMHS in an annual tournament enriched with Lodi history. Lodi lost to New Milford, but has a young team that is hoping to grow with Emma.
“Overall, it was a great day and a great experience to be coaching in a game with my mom and Coach Schroen,” said Emma.
Emma just began her first season as the LHS head softball coach alongside her mom’s old high school coach, Billy Schroen, who is currently the assistant coach.
“Lodi is my home,” said Emma. “The opportunity to lead Lodi’s team presented itself, and I knew I had to take it. Playing my mom’s team felt like such a full-circle moment and reminded me how lucky I am to have such supportive people around me.”
“I tear up sometimes coaching alongside Coach Schroen,” she added. “He always mentions stories about my mom.”
Lodi’s athletic program is welcoming Emma in full force. She and her family have a deep history in Lodi, where she will continue that legacy.
“Emma does everything 110 percent,” said Lodi Athletic Director Alyson Gorski. “I am excited for her to enter this next chapter and lead the team.”
“There was a lot of history on the field on Saturday,” said Superintendent Frank D’Amico, who is also an alumnus of LHS. “It feels like everyone stays connected to Lodi somehow.”
