At the June 1 Board of Education meeting, the district and BOE proudly recognized the 2026 Teachers and Educational Specialists of the Year. The dedication, passion, and commitment of these educators make a lasting impact on our students every day.
Presented by Dr. Damali Robinson, BOE president, and Mr. Gregory Van Nest, Acting Superintendent, congratulations are extended to:
🏆 Byrd School – Mrs. Lauren Carter, School Counselor
🏆 Central School – Mrs. Crissy Feifer, Special Education Teacher
🏆 Coleman School – Mrs. Susan Zisa, Reading Specialist
🏆 Hamilton School – Mrs. Jessica Falkenstern, School Counselor
🏆 Hamilton School – Mrs. Kimberly Castelli, School Nurse (Posthumous Honor)
🏆 Glen Rock Middle School – Ms. Lisa Limongelli, English Teacher
🏆 Glen Rock High School – Ms. Anna Lilikas, Choir and Orchestra Director
🏆 Glen Rock Middle/High School – Ms. Caelie Batelli, Wellness Counselor
At the June 1 Board of Education meeting, Glen Rock Public Schools proudly recognized 13 outstanding educators and staff members for 25 years of service to our students, schools, and community.
For a quarter century, these dedicated professionals have made a lasting impact through their commitment, compassion, and excellence in education. Their contributions have helped shape generations of Glen Rock students, and we are grateful for all they have done and continue to do.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Mrs. Lisa Brown, Special Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Ms. Dianne Carpenter, School Psychologist, GRHS
⭐ Mr. Kenneth Cavanagh, Health & Physical Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mr. Anthony Cece, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mrs. Keri Holmgren, Grade 1 Teacher, Byrd School
⭐ Ms. Vanessa Hurley, Special Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Mr. Christopher Kelley, Latin Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mr. James Kurz, Health & Physical Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Mrs. Cathleen Mitchell, Intervention Strategies Coach/BSI Math Teacher, Coleman School
⭐ Ms. Stephanie Nerney, School Nurse, GRMS
⭐ Ms. Susan Stevens, Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Program
⭐ Ms. Tracy Tellis, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mrs. Elizabeth Wanagiel, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
Thank you for 25 years of supporting and empowering our students. Your dedication and care have helped make Glen Rock Public Schools the exceptional district it is today!
For a quarter century, these dedicated professionals have made a lasting impact through their commitment, compassion, and excellence in education. Their contributions have helped shape generations of Glen Rock students, and we are grateful for all they have done and continue to do.
Congratulations to:
⭐ Mrs. Lisa Brown, Special Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Ms. Dianne Carpenter, School Psychologist, GRHS
⭐ Mr. Kenneth Cavanagh, Health & Physical Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mr. Anthony Cece, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mrs. Keri Holmgren, Grade 1 Teacher, Byrd School
⭐ Ms. Vanessa Hurley, Special Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Mr. Christopher Kelley, Latin Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mr. James Kurz, Health & Physical Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Mrs. Cathleen Mitchell, Intervention Strategies Coach/BSI Math Teacher, Coleman School
⭐ Ms. Stephanie Nerney, School Nurse, GRMS
⭐ Ms. Susan Stevens, Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Program
⭐ Ms. Tracy Tellis, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mrs. Elizabeth Wanagiel, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
Thank you for 25 years of supporting and empowering our students. Your dedication and care have helped make Glen Rock Public Schools the exceptional district it is today!
On Thursday, May 28, ALLIANCE proudly hosted its 10th Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Hamilton Circle in recognition of Pride Month. The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches from senior club members and concluded with the raising of the Pride flag. Students, staff, and community members gathered to show their support and celebrate inclusion, acceptance, and belonging for all. It was a beautiful day to come together as a school community and honor the values that make Glen Rock Public Schools stronger.
Glen Rock High School students made history at RevNJ’s History Happened Here event! Uri Bashan, Maya Coskun, Andreea Irati, Anastasia Koval, Phoebe Martin, and Zachary Yona created history projects that were curated and accepted for display at the statewide event. Out of just 37 projects invited from across New Jersey, four projects from Glen Rock High School were selected. Pictured are the students who presented their projects alongside teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Walter; Dr. Dale Caldwell, NJ Lieutenant Governor; Will Krakower, Director of the Princeton Battlefield Trust; and Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. Swipe to see highlights from the event and the students proudly presenting their outstanding work!
Congratulations to GRHS seniors Izabela Samu ’26 and Sean Spitaleri ’26 on being recognized at the NJIC Sportsmanship Luncheon on May 27!
These outstanding student-athletes were honored for demonstrating leadership, integrity, respect, and sportsmanship throughout their athletic careers at Glen Rock High School. The entire GRHS community is proud of the positive example they set both on and off the field.
These outstanding student-athletes were honored for demonstrating leadership, integrity, respect, and sportsmanship throughout their athletic careers at Glen Rock High School. The entire GRHS community is proud of the positive example they set both on and off the field.
On Friday, May 22, five seniors including (L-R) Leah Starcic, Annie Leonard, Emily Hochman, Maya Bickel, and Carolyn Piccinnini, and science teacher, Ms. Monica Hughes, attended the Rutgers School of Health Professions Senior Ceremony. At the event, seniors from all over New Jersey who are currently taking a Health Professions Dual Enrollment Course were honored for their hard work and dedication.
Emily and Carolyn both received an award of excellence for their academic achievements throughout the course this year. We also want to congratulate the other seniors who are currently enrolled in Dynamics of Healthcare, but were unable to attend.
Emily and Carolyn both received an award of excellence for their academic achievements throughout the course this year. We also want to congratulate the other seniors who are currently enrolled in Dynamics of Healthcare, but were unable to attend.
GRMS 6th graders turned compassion into action during a recent Walkathon in support of UNICEF, inspired by the novel “Refugee” by Alan Gratz. With an original goal of $5,000, students went above and beyond, raising an incredible $8,939 to help children around the world. We are so proud of their hard work, generosity, and dedication to making a difference!
The Glen Rock Superintendent Search Online Stakeholder Input Survey closed on May 22, having garnered 330 participants.
Thanks to all who engaged in our in-person input sessions and completed the online survey. All outcomes will be compiled into an internal document which will guide our consultant, Ms. Helewa, and the Glen Rock Board of Education throughout the search process.
The information from our stakeholders will be of vital assistance in determining which candidates will be selected for interviews, and in the formulation of interview questions at each stage of the search (preliminary, first-round, second-round, and final interviews).
Please be advised that the results of the sessions and surveys will not be made public during the search, in order to ensure an authentic vetting and interview process.
Thank you for your support of the Glen Rock Board of Education during this process. Visit our Superintendent Search page for more updates: https://www.glenrocknj.org/o/grpsd/page/superintendent-search
Thanks to all who engaged in our in-person input sessions and completed the online survey. All outcomes will be compiled into an internal document which will guide our consultant, Ms. Helewa, and the Glen Rock Board of Education throughout the search process.
The information from our stakeholders will be of vital assistance in determining which candidates will be selected for interviews, and in the formulation of interview questions at each stage of the search (preliminary, first-round, second-round, and final interviews).
Please be advised that the results of the sessions and surveys will not be made public during the search, in order to ensure an authentic vetting and interview process.
Thank you for your support of the Glen Rock Board of Education during this process. Visit our Superintendent Search page for more updates: https://www.glenrocknj.org/o/grpsd/page/superintendent-search
Join us Thursday, May 28, from 6–8 p.m. for the GRHS/GRMS Art Show! Come celebrate the incredible creativity and talent of our middle and high school student artists. The evening will also include the NAHS Induction Ceremony at 7 p.m. in the Media Center. We hope to see you there!
Our first annual Rock Fest brought Glen Rock High School students together on May 19 for an afternoon of fun, music, and community on the field! Students enjoyed food trucks, spikeball and pickleball tournaments, field activities, raffles with prizes, and performances by talented student bands.
The event also highlighted important student wellness initiatives through partnerships with the Glen Rock Police Department, raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, as well as the Wellness Center’s Smash the Stigma initiative promoting openness and support surrounding mental health. Special thanks to wellness counselors, Ms. Caelie Batelli, Mr. Andrew Moran, and Mr. Frank Klump for their support and involvement throughout the event.
Thank you to the GRHS administration and Student Council advisors, Mr. Kevin Hughes and Mr. Brian McGoey, for helping bring this incredible event to life!
The event also highlighted important student wellness initiatives through partnerships with the Glen Rock Police Department, raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, as well as the Wellness Center’s Smash the Stigma initiative promoting openness and support surrounding mental health. Special thanks to wellness counselors, Ms. Caelie Batelli, Mr. Andrew Moran, and Mr. Frank Klump for their support and involvement throughout the event.
Thank you to the GRHS administration and Student Council advisors, Mr. Kevin Hughes and Mr. Brian McGoey, for helping bring this incredible event to life!
Science came to life in 6th grade at GRMS this week! A student shared the chicks she raised from eggs and taught classmates all about their growth and development. Science in action!
We’re proud to share that the GRHS Relay for Life Team’s recent community clothing drive raised $930 for the American Cancer Society! Thank you to our Glen Rock families for your incredible generosity and support in making this event such a success!
Congratulations to the six Glen Rock High School senior athletes who officially signed to their chosen colleges and universities: Abby Grove ’26 (Emory University - Basketball), Izabela Samu ’26 (United States Naval Academy - Track), Mia Vergel de Dios ’26 (Swarthmore College - Basketball), Robert Lopez ’26 (Scranton University - Basketball), Erick Berrouet ’26 (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Football), and Leighton Kelly ’26 (Drew University - Track).
Thank you to the GRHS coaches, staff members, and parents for attending the celebratory signing day! Best wishes to these outstanding student-athletes as they embark on their collegiate journeys and continue to excel both on and off the field.
Thank you to the GRHS coaches, staff members, and parents for attending the celebratory signing day! Best wishes to these outstanding student-athletes as they embark on their collegiate journeys and continue to excel both on and off the field.
What started as an idea from the Glen Rock High School Students for Service Club has officially become a reality through the power of partnership and community support.
The club’s student officers developed a proposal for a student-run vending machine that would generate funding for clubs, activities, and future student initiatives at GRHS. With support from the Glen Rock Board of Education through a loan for the machine and continued partnership from Pomptonian Food Service for supplies and management, the machine is now up and running!
Most importantly, proceeds from the vending machine will directly fund new initiatives for student clubs and activities at GRHS, making this more than just a vending machine, but a meaningful investment in student life and leadership.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this student-led initiative to life!
The club’s student officers developed a proposal for a student-run vending machine that would generate funding for clubs, activities, and future student initiatives at GRHS. With support from the Glen Rock Board of Education through a loan for the machine and continued partnership from Pomptonian Food Service for supplies and management, the machine is now up and running!
Most importantly, proceeds from the vending machine will directly fund new initiatives for student clubs and activities at GRHS, making this more than just a vending machine, but a meaningful investment in student life and leadership.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this student-led initiative to life!
Announcing the “Gifts for Grads” fundraiser!
Give back to the MS/HS HSA this Spring by getting your grads ready for next year with new Spirit Wear! Orders placed by May 31st will be delivered to your home by June 12th.
Scan the QR code or click to order today: https://grhsms.bigcolorgear.com
Give back to the MS/HS HSA this Spring by getting your grads ready for next year with new Spirit Wear! Orders placed by May 31st will be delivered to your home by June 12th.
Scan the QR code or click to order today: https://grhsms.bigcolorgear.com
Congratulations to the Glen Rock High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team, recognized at the April 20, 2026 Board of Education meeting for an unforgettable season!
🏆 2026 Girls Basketball Colonial League Undefeated Champions
🏆 North 1 Group 2 Sectional Champions
🏆 NJIC Colonial Division Winners
🏆 NJIC League Champions
Recognized by Mr. Frank Violante, Director of Athletics, the team’s dedication, teamwork, and determination made this a historic season for GRHS.
Congratulations to Adriana DeTuro, Abby Grove, Anna Heuss, Anna Permenter, Brianna Sapoff, Isabella Barletta, Jordyn Handler, Isabella Flaccavento, Jaydzia Khan, Ana Landreau, Samantha Mattis, Morgan Grove, Madison Wise, Avery Schwartz, Tessa Gallego, and Head Coach Sara Wolman on an incredible year!
🏆 2026 Girls Basketball Colonial League Undefeated Champions
🏆 North 1 Group 2 Sectional Champions
🏆 NJIC Colonial Division Winners
🏆 NJIC League Champions
Recognized by Mr. Frank Violante, Director of Athletics, the team’s dedication, teamwork, and determination made this a historic season for GRHS.
Congratulations to Adriana DeTuro, Abby Grove, Anna Heuss, Anna Permenter, Brianna Sapoff, Isabella Barletta, Jordyn Handler, Isabella Flaccavento, Jaydzia Khan, Ana Landreau, Samantha Mattis, Morgan Grove, Madison Wise, Avery Schwartz, Tessa Gallego, and Head Coach Sara Wolman on an incredible year!
As the GRBOE begins the search for our next Superintendent of Schools, we value the perspectives of all stakeholders in helping identify the qualities and leadership priorities most important to our community. We look forward to your participation in our live input sessions on Thursday, May 21, and are also pleased to offer a completely • confidential online survey • for all school stakeholders from May 14-22, 2026.
The survey is being wholly administered by our search firm, Kathleen Helewa Educational Consultants, LLC, NOT the school district. All responses will be reported to the Board in full, but contributors will remain anonymous.
Please take a few moments to thoughtfully participate in this brief survey, which will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Click to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRNS6JW
We appreciate your support of the GRBOE in this crucial undertaking!
The survey is being wholly administered by our search firm, Kathleen Helewa Educational Consultants, LLC, NOT the school district. All responses will be reported to the Board in full, but contributors will remain anonymous.
Please take a few moments to thoughtfully participate in this brief survey, which will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Click to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRNS6JW
We appreciate your support of the GRBOE in this crucial undertaking!
The Glen Rock Board of Education needs the perspectives of all stakeholders as we begin the search for our next Superintendent. The GRBOE is seeking what is most important to stakeholders as the first step in recruiting the most suitable educational leaders who can lead our district in line with our community’s unique needs and aspirations.
Search Consultant, Kathleen Helewa, will be spending a day in our District on Thursday, May 21 to listen to our stakeholders in a series of in-person input sessions. Ms. Helewa will be meeting with administrators, teachers, and staff during the day, and with Glen Rock families and community members in the evening. These sessions will not be meetings of the Glen Rock Board of Education and Board members will not be present.
We urge our families and community members to come and meet Ms. Helewa in the MS/HS Cafeteria from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Glen Rock Middle School/High School Cafeteria to share your perspectives. Additionally, an anonymous online input survey will be available for all of our school stakeholders from May 14-May 22.
To follow along the Superintendent Search process, please visit our designated page at https://www.glenrocknj.org/superintendent-search.
Search Consultant, Kathleen Helewa, will be spending a day in our District on Thursday, May 21 to listen to our stakeholders in a series of in-person input sessions. Ms. Helewa will be meeting with administrators, teachers, and staff during the day, and with Glen Rock families and community members in the evening. These sessions will not be meetings of the Glen Rock Board of Education and Board members will not be present.
We urge our families and community members to come and meet Ms. Helewa in the MS/HS Cafeteria from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Glen Rock Middle School/High School Cafeteria to share your perspectives. Additionally, an anonymous online input survey will be available for all of our school stakeholders from May 14-May 22.
To follow along the Superintendent Search process, please visit our designated page at https://www.glenrocknj.org/superintendent-search.
Four students represented GRHS at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, and each had a meaningful and rewarding experience. Ada Atli '27 and Arianna Renga '27 participated in the Emerging Leaders Series, where they engaged in workshops focused on developing leadership skills and had the opportunity to network with students from across the country. This experience allowed them to grow as leaders while connecting with a broader DECA community.
Avery Schwartz '26 competed at the national level in the Automotive Services Marketing Series. Her event included a comprehensive exam along with two role-play scenarios, where she demonstrated her knowledge and applied her skills in real-world business situations. Sarah Krasnopolsky '28 competed in the Principles of Hospitality and Tourism event, which included a Business Administration Core exam and a role-play component. Sarah was recognized on stage as a top performer in her event and earned a silver medallion, placing her among the top performers on the individual exam. We are incredibly proud of all four students for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding representation at the international level!
Avery Schwartz '26 competed at the national level in the Automotive Services Marketing Series. Her event included a comprehensive exam along with two role-play scenarios, where she demonstrated her knowledge and applied her skills in real-world business situations. Sarah Krasnopolsky '28 competed in the Principles of Hospitality and Tourism event, which included a Business Administration Core exam and a role-play component. Sarah was recognized on stage as a top performer in her event and earned a silver medallion, placing her among the top performers on the individual exam. We are incredibly proud of all four students for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding representation at the international level!
Ms. Siegel’s Honors Photography students recently took their final photo walk to Hoboken for an immersive street photography field trip inspired by the work of master street photographers.
Throughout the day, students explored the waterfront and downtown area capturing candid moments, striking compositions, and the energy of everyday life through their lenses. The trip challenged students to slow down, observe closely, and think creatively as they applied the visual storytelling techniques studied in class.
Throughout the day, students explored the waterfront and downtown area capturing candid moments, striking compositions, and the energy of everyday life through their lenses. The trip challenged students to slow down, observe closely, and think creatively as they applied the visual storytelling techniques studied in class.
