Panther News
September 5, 2025
First Week: A Great Success
While it was a short week, the students have already readjusted to the new school year with confidence and ease. It was a pleasure chatting with our Panthers as they circulated in the halls, caught up with friends, and started to settle into their new routines. The positive energy and excitement were truly contagious.
Our students also had the opportunity to meet with their counselors, class advisors, and administrators during their grade-level meetings. This was a valuable time to review school rules and expectations, ensuring everyone is on the same page for a successful year.
I am incredibly proud of how our students conducted themselves throughout this first week. Their positive behavior and enthusiasm made for a wonderful start. Based on the fantastic energy that filled the halls, I have no doubt that this year will be a great success. I can't wait to watch each of our students grow, learn, and succeed over the course of this school year.
Upcoming:
9/9 & 9/10- Pictures during Physical Education- information emailed directly from Lors Photography
9/11- Ceremony hosted by CGFD
9/16- Back to School Night- more info to follow
9/18- Club Fair during lunch
9/19- Early Dismissal, Pep Rally & Family Tailgate
9/23- School Closed- Rosh Hashanah
9/25- Senior Parent Night- more info to follow
10/2- School Closed- Yom Kippur
10/13- Early Dismissal, Staff In-Service
We are thrilled to announce that our very own
Andrew VanderHorn, a Social Studies Teacher at Cedar Grove High School, has been named the Essex County Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026! Mr. Vander Horn is one of 21 educators across the state to receive this prestigious honor from the New Jersey Department of Education. The County Teachers of the Year are selected through the Governor's Educator of the Year Program, which recognizes the commitment and expertise of outstanding educators.
This is a well-deserved recognition of Mr. Vander Horn's hard work, dedication, and exemplary instruction. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful for the positive impact he has on our students and school community.
Gioia Degenaars- Science
Ms. Degenaars is an experienced and passionate high school science teacher whose expertise spans a wide range of biological sciences, including Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Forensic Science.
Her teaching philosophy is centered on making science exciting, accessible, and connected to students' everyday lives. Known for her dynamic approach in the classroom, she aims to spark curiosity and inspire future scientists. She supports a lively and trusting learning environment where all students can thrive.
Beyond her professional life, Ms. Degenaars is a dedicated gardener, a passionate cook, and enjoys crocheting gifts for friends and family. She is the proud mother of twin boys, both juniors in high school. She is also actively involved in her community and volunteers her time in various roles.
Brandi Divincent- ESL
Ms. Divincent is the new ESL teacher for both the high school and middle school. In her free time, she enjoys baking, going on walks with her dog, and spending time with her family. Ms. Divincent
especially loves being outdoors in the fall, whether it’s staying active through sports like pickleball or simply enjoying the season. She is excited to work with and be a part of the amazing educational team here at Cedar Grove.
Viviana Ludena- Spanish
Ms. Ludena is a proud native of both Ecuador and Chile. After moving to the U.S., she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish from Rutgers University. With seven years of teaching experience across various educational levels, she has a deep passion for mentoring, guiding, and empowering her students to achieve their life goals. Her mission is to equip students with the tools and skills to apply their knowledge in real-world situations and foster confidence in their second language.
Melissa Muirhead- Science
Ms. Muirhead is a passionate educator with 13 years of teaching experience. Throughout her career, she has taught a variety of courses, with her most recent focus being on AP and Honors Biology.
Ms. Muirhead is a local, having grown up in Montclair and Verona before settling in Cedar Grove with her family. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and Biology from Seton Hall University and a Master’s Degree in Biology from Montclair State University. A proud mom to two young children, Beau (3) and Bailey (1), she is excited to continue her teaching journey at CGHS and looks forward to the year ahead.
Kelly Powers- Spanish
Please give a warm welcome to Ms. Powers, who is joining the high school staff from North End & South End Schools to teach Spanish II/Spanish II Honors and Spanish III/Spanish III Honors. This year marks her 20th year as a Spanish teacher, and she's a proud graduate of Rutgers University. We're also thrilled to note that she has been teaching in the Cedar Grove School District since 2008.
Andrea Santamaria- Special Services
Ms. Santamaria is now the case manager for students in grades 10, 11, and 12. As a member of the Child Study Team (CST), she serves as a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C), conducting educational evaluations to support students' needs. She has been a part of the Cedar Grove CST for the past five years and has contributed to several committees, including the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS), the School Improvement Panel, and the School Climate Committee.
With 18 years in education, Ms. Santamaria brings a wealth of experience. She has previously taught both general education students and students with disabilities and has also worked in early intervention as an ABA therapist. She is excited to join the high school this year and looks forward to working with students and their families.
