The Champions' Chronicle
A Look into Lodi Public Schools
A huge thank you to the Women of the Moose Lodi Chapter 2156 for their generosity! On August 25, they donated 24 backpacks filled with school supplies to support Lodi Public Schools.
This marks the eight year the chapter has carried out this meaningful community service project, and their continued dedication makes a difference for so many of our students.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Fowler as the new principal of Wilson School! This new transition comes with a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Vanderhook, who recently retired after many years of dedicated service to Wilson Elementary and Lodi Public Schools.
Eager to build upon Dr. Vanderhook’s successes, Dr. Fowler brings nearly 20 years of experience in education to this role. He began his career as a high school English teacher and has since grown into leadership roles, most recently serving as principal at Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School. Known for his collaborative, student-focused approach, he is passionate about helping both students and teachers reach their full potential. A former Division 1 athlete at St. Peter’s University, he credits his athletic background to shaping his discipline, teamwork, and community-focused mindset. These qualities continue to guide his collaborative, student-centered approach to school leadership.
When asked about the type of atmosphere he hopes to create, Dr. Fowler explained, “I start the day with music playing in the hallways as a way for our kids to begin their day with some level of energy, especially on Mondays. I hope they feel welcomed when they walk through our doors.”
From day one, Dr. Fowler’s approachable nature has been clear. He immediately made a genuine connection with a kindergartener by saying, “It's my first day too,” putting a shy student at ease. Whether he’s engaging in school activities or connecting with families through his Instagram, he strives to build strong, supportive relationships.
Born and raised in Hoboken, Dr. Fowler now lives in Clifton with his wife and two children. Choosing Lodi was intentional for him, stating, “I have always wanted to return to a more urban, city-like district, similar to where I grew up. Also, Lodi has a strong history of academic success that I wanted to be a part of.”
The district motto, “Be A Champion,” resonates with him. For Dr. Fowler, being a champion means “winning the moments, however small or large that moment may be, and learning from mistakes along the way.” His personal mantra reflects that same mindset: “There are only two things that we can control in our lives: attitude and effort.”
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, Dr. Fowler said he is “hoping to foster a collaborative effort with our parents and community, and have more opportunities for parents to engage with their child’s school life.”
His advice for students this year is simple yet empowering: “Do not be afraid to make a mistake as long as you are willing to learn from it.”
Sports Reporter at NJ.com
PJ is a 2014 graduate of Lodi High School and a graduate of Hofstra University.
How did Lodi Public Schools help prepare you for your future?
I think one of Lodi's biggest strengths is its diversity. Many people in the Tri-State Area grow up with others with similar backgrounds. LHS is filled with people from separate walks of life, and I think being exposed to that diversity and differences in culture can give us a more universal perspective on life.
What is your favorite memory from your time in Lodi schools?
There are so many different things to choose from, but it is difficult to not talk about the baseball team from my senior season. Playing a tough schedule, we won a lot of big games and went on a great run in the postseason. Playing alongside my best friends (Zach Spero, Frank Paparozzi) and winning with them is something I'll cherish forever. My personal successes from that year also guided me to more opportunities in college.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was honors chemistry class my junior year, taught by Mrs. Ho-Phan. I stepped outside of my comfort zone by taking a course that I wasn't familiar with, but Mrs. Ho-Phan, who is one of the best teachers/professors I've ever had the pleasure of learning from, made this demanding course less intimidating. I wasn't a science guy, but she made me feel like I could be one.
Who was your favorite teacher/staff member?
Mrs. Debowska and Mrs. Neshan were equally incredible. I always gravitated towards English and literature, but these two teachers had a gift of making students actually want to read and to become more well-rounded. That's very hard to come by, and their talent made those courses even better. In these classes, I also learned how to write with more conviction and to sink into my style. Writing is my career now, and these early learning days were central to my growth in what I do every day now. Mrs. Debowska and Mrs. Neshan were the first teachers to ever challenge my writing, too. They made me better. I have always been thankful for the way they approached their craft. It worked on me.
Did you further your education after high school?
I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Hofstra University in 2018.
What advice would you give current students?
I think the most important thing for LHS students to understand is that there is a world of opportunity out there for you, but it can start with where you are now. Say ‘yes’ to everything that the school has to offer and take it all seriously. Join the drama club, try out for a sport that your friends participate in, take an AP class. You will be surprised by how much you learn about yourself when you thrust yourself into areas you've never been in before. When it comes time for you to be an adult, these experiences will help shape you and your perspective.
Also… Be sure to thank your teachers and other school personnel. They care about you more than you think.
Earlier this month, Lodi High School launched a new cell phone policy called “Phone Away, All Day.” The goal is simple but ambitious—limit the distractions of personal devices during the school day so students can focus more fully on learning and on each other.
While New Jersey has not yet mandated phone restrictions in schools, 34 other states have already taken steps in this direction. Lodi’s proactive approach stems from a growing body of research showing that cell phone use during school hours is linked to higher anxiety, disrupted sleep, and reduced focus. Even brief notifications can derail concentration, while the absence of devices fosters stronger peer connections and healthier classroom engagement.
The early results at LHS have been striking. Aside from the very first day, it has seen over 98% compliance with the new policy. Teachers and students alike report fewer distractions, more meaningful conversations, and stronger academic engagement. “The new cell phone policy has completely transformed the classroom!” said Andrew Smolenski, Social Studies and Special Education Teacher.
Math and Special Education Teacher Nell White agreed, noting how quickly the benefits became clear: “The kids have been surprisingly receptive – it's almost as though they’re just opening their eyes to the rest of the world and to each other. They’re more awake, more willing to engage, and I’m optimistic about the rest of the year!”
“Our students are more focused and connected without their phones, and we needed a strong policy with the support of our Superintendent, Mr. D’Amico, and the Board of Education,” said LHS Principal Michael Attanasio, who credited both staff commitment and family support for the smooth transition. He cited that communication and partnership with families is important, but the key part is 100% teacher support.
“The staff has been great; they are trusting the process, and we are getting the desired results,” Attanasio added. “Mr. O’Brien, our Vice Principal, and myself are responsible for managing the plan, but this collaborative approach is crucial for success.”
Though the true impact will be measured over time, LHS is encouraged by these first steps. By partnering with families, the school aims to build healthier habits, stronger relationships, and a learning environment where students can thrive.
A big thank you to our alumnus Fernando Rodriguez, Owner of FAR from Average Construction, for donating concrete supplies to build a brand new pickleball and bocce ball court at Thomas Jefferson Middle School! Fernando, a proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson Middle School ('99) and Lodi High School ('03), continues to make a lasting impact on the school community.
Thanks to FAR from Average Construction’s generosity, students can now enjoy these beautiful facilities both in Physical Education classes and beyond.
Wilson School was thrilled to welcome students and families back for the first day of school! The energy on campus was electric as smiling faces filled the hallways, backpacks were zipped up tight, and the excitement of a brand-new year filled the air.
This year, Wilson Elementary’s Back to School celebration kicked off with a heartwarming new tradition—Chalk the Walk! Before the morning bell rang, the amazing Wilson teachers took to the sidewalks with colorful chalk in hand, writing encouraging messages and drawings to greet students as they arrived. From “Be Brave, Be Kind” to “You Are Brave, You are Smart!”, each chalk design was created with care and love to help ease first-day jitters and spark excitement for the year ahead.
Parents, students, and staff alike were moved by the thoughtful words and artwork. It was a small gesture that made a big impact—setting a positive tone and showing students just how much they are valued from the moment they step on campus.
Wilson Elementary’s educators once again went the extra mile to create such a warm and welcoming environment.
Here’s to a fantastic school year full of discovery, friendship, and fun. 2025-2026 school year will be the best year yet!
