Panther News

Each year, our school district participates in the Governor's Educator of the Year Program. If you know a classroom teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference, please take the time to recommend this person for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program. At this time, we are seeking nominations from our entire school community regarding this prestigious award.

Parents, teachers, students, and community members are encouraged to nominate an outstanding educator, educational services professional, and/or a paraprofessional from CGHS.

Eligibility Criteria:

Any educators nominated for this award must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teacher (PreK to grade 12 in a public or charter school) where teaching is the primary responsibility rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities, or an educational services professional (ESP) who is listed as one of the eligible enrollment areas

• Must have the latest summative rating of at least effective; if the teacher or the ESP has not received a summative rating at the time of application, then their most current practice rating should be at least effective or the equivalent

• Be an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn

• Actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success

• Demonstrate leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district, and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting

• Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues

• Have not earned the title of school, county,

• or state Teacher of the Year nor ESP of the Year for the past five (5) years

• Ineligible Staff due to prior nominations (Mr. Brady, Mr. VanderHorn, Mrs. Lafoon, Mrs. Amador, & Mrs. Hull)

Attached is the nomination form for the Governor’s Educator of the Year. All forms are due by November 2nd via email to Inglis.Jody@cgschools.org or dropped off at the CGHS main office in a sealed envelope addressed to Mrs. Inglis/GEOY.

Please note, you may nominate a Teacher, Ed Specialist, or both (if you so choose). Each nomination requires a separate nomination form.

https://www.nj.gov/education/recognition/educators/geoy/materials/NominationForm.pdf

November 4th & 5th- School Closed

November 13th & 14th - Peter and the Starcatcher

November 18th - 8th Grade Open House

November 25th- Early Dismissal

November 26th & 27th- School Closed, Happy Thanksgiving

I’m Oyku Altintas, a senior at Cedar Grove High School. Art has been an important part of my life since childhood, and I enjoy expressing myself through drawing, painting, and design. I was honored to be selected for SOPAC’s Inspired Minds Young Artist Exhibition, and I’m so excited to be a winner of the sticker design contest as well. I hope to study architecture in college and continue combining my love for art and design.

Our peer leaders have been working diligently on communicating with their freshman mentees and planning their first in person connection. We kicked that off today with about 1/4 of the freshmen and our leaders. The smiles and conversations were fantastic. More pictures to come next week.

Students in Anatomy and Physiology had the opportunity to dissect chickens wing and feet with Ms. Degenaars!

Congratulations to the Cedar Grove Esports team on an exciting victory over Pompton Plains in Super Smash Bros. on Wednesday! The competition came down to the third and deciding match, with the outcome hanging on the very last stock of Cedar Grove’s final player. In a thrilling finish, Kerem Orhan came through in the clutch to secure the victory for Cedar Grove! While Kerem delivered the winning moment, it was a true team effort from start to finish. Congratulations to the entire team on a hard-fought and well-earned win!

On Friday, October 23rd, Bianca Boniello, a 2025 CGHS graduate and a DECA Alumna, and Kirabella, a fellow student, came to our DECA meeting to host a Collegiate DECA information session. Kirabella is the President and Blanca is the Vice President of Collegiate DECA, at Montclair State University.

It is always an incredible feeling having a former student come back to educate and encourage current students and to share real world experiences. We were lucky to have Blanca and Kirabella come speak to our DECA Club members regarding the DECA college chapter. It drives home the importance of our club and introduces options after graduation.

The presentation included valuable information such as: Benefits of Collegiate DECA, networking, real experience, career clarity, community relationships, faculty connections, leadership skills, event planning and much more. We will continue to work with the collegiate chapter moving forward. They will assist us in preparing for DECA Districts and DEA States. A wonderful partnership for everyone involved.

The CGHS Drama Club presents Peter and the Starcatcher on

Friday November 13 at 7:00 PM

Saturday November 14 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Tickets available:

www.cghs.booktix.com

The Italian National Honor Society is fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Use THIS LINK to contribute. Your fundraising efforts help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

National Honor Society Peer Tutoring
Need a Tutor? The National Honor Society Cedar Grove High School offers Peer Tutoring for all high-school students. If you would like to request a peer tutor, please follow the procedure in the catalog and pick out a few tutors. Be sure to check your tutors' availability and subjects they are offering to teach before requesting them. All requests have to be made through Mrs. Halawani (halawani.mirna@cgschools.org). Mrs. Halawani or your teacher can also request a tutor on your behalf, just let us know. We have an amazing group of NHS tutors who are eager to tutor your student/child so please don't hesitate to ask.

NHS Tutoring

College visits have begun! Check out the list of schools in Naviance. Students must register for

each visit at least one day prior in order to obtain a Smart Pass to attend.

Please reach out to your counselor or Mrs. Hampson with any questions.

Wednesday 10/28

University of Hartford Art School 9:30-10:00

West Virginia University 1:15-1:45

Thursday 10/29

University of Delaware 9:30-10:00

University of New Haven 10:30-11:00

Montclair State University 12:15-12:45

Rider University 1:15-1:45

Monday 11/02

Saint Peter’s University 9:30-10:00

Hofstra University 1:15-1:45

Tuesday 11/03

Binghamton University, State University of NY 12:15-12:45

Stockton University 1:15-1:45

Wednesday 11/04

High Point University 10:30-11:00

Please click here to view a Financial Aid Webinar presentation by Mr. Ed Zamora. Should you have any questions, you can reach out to him directly or the Office of School Counseling.

Please see THIS LINK for information regarding the FAFSA.

The AP Exam Registration Window will open on October 1, 2026. Please click on this link to register and pay for your AP exams. Regular registrations will be due on 10/30. Late registrations will be accepted until 11/5 (with a $40 late fee incurred). Registrations will not be accepted after November 5th.

It is best to have both the student and parent complete the registration together to ensure that all components are completed properly.

Please note if a student is not enrolled in an AP course and wishes to self-study and take an AP exam, that is an option. Please see the AP Coordinator (Mrs. Pontidis) if you would like to arrange this.

Contact Mrs. Pontidis at pontidis.stephanie@cgschools.org with any questions.

Live streams of home athletic events on our CGHS Stadium Field and inside our CGHS Gymnasium can always be found at: CGHS Live Stream Link

See this link for the schedule: Athletic Schedule