Superintendent's Corner
October 2025 NRESC Updates from Dr. Vancheri
Fall Greetings from the NRESC
Time flies when you’re having fun! Two months of the school year are already behind us, and we’ve officially entered the holiday season. Whether it’s the dog days of summer or the frigid days of winter, the Commission remains committed to offering exceptional solutions to specific educational challenges.
Beyond my monthly updates, I encourage you to check out the monthly newsletters from the following NRESC departments and programs:
Onward!
Dr. Nicholas V. Vancheri
NRESC Superintendent of Schools
Pearl Perfect Premier Party!
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined Pearl’s Premier Party at Second Home on October 24! We’re so grateful to the staff, clients, and daycare students who made the event so special. For staff and students at NRESC programs, you’ll be seeing a lot of Pearl—if you haven’t already! The NRESC looks forward to Pearl visiting every Passaic County district and charter soon. If you’re interested in a free first visit from Pearl or would like more information about our therapy dog services, please contact Ayanna Thorne at athorne@nresc.org .
Bounce Out the Stigma in Year 2!
🎄 Save the Date! Holiday of Lights Parade Extravaganza 🎅
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m. as the organizers of the Totowa, Woodland Park, and Little Falls Holiday of Lights Parade Extravaganza bring their festive spirit to the Second Home Day Habilitation Center! Each year, this group produces the beloved community parade and toy drive that welcomes the holiday season and spreads the joy and spirit of Christmas to families across the three towns and beyond. In addition to the main event, they also host mini parades for children, young adults, and families who could use a little extra holiday cheer. This year, the Second Home Day Habilitation Center will be the proud recipient of one of these mini parades—complete with gifts and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Stay tuned for more details—and be sure to save the date for December 10 at 6:00 p.m. to join in the celebration!
Taking the NRESC to the Next Level!
As we continue to strengthen and expand the NRESC, I’ve been looking at how educational service agencies across the country are supported. Nearly 40 states provide some level of state or county funding to their agencies, while New Jersey ESCs—including ours—receive no direct state aid. Despite this, our team manages a $44 million operation entirely through district contracts and the quality of our work.
Across the nation, ESCs benefit from state investment and partnership models:
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Illinois: Regional offices receive a mix of state and county funding, including grants for alternative education programs.
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Oregon: ESDs receive a portion of state school aid and property tax funding, supporting comprehensive services from special education to technology.
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Texas: ESCs have grown from modest budgets with partial state aid to larger operations serving regional needs, highlighting the power of state support.
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Wisconsin: CESAs leverage state and federal grants alongside district contracts, saving local districts millions annually while expanding services.
These examples show the potential of shared investment. Thanks to your dedication and creativity, the NRESC continues to thrive—and together we’re positioning our agency to elevate its impact even further.
It was a Colorful Halloween at the Phoenix Center!
Second Home Trunk or Treat in Full Effect!
A Spooky Time at Lakeside Daycare
We've Got Your Nursing Needs Covered!
The Northern Region Educational Services Commission (NRESC) provides mandated nursing services to numerous private and parochial schools across Passaic and Bergen counties, including districts such as Hawthorne, Manchester, Totowa, Prospect Park, Fair Lawn, and Paterson. Our team of dedicated nurses ensures that all students receive the required health services, from immunizations and physicals to ongoing care for chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and allergies.
Beyond simply meeting mandates, our nurses are committed to supporting non-public schools by fostering safe and healthy learning environments where every student can thrive. They collaborate closely with parents, school staff, and administrators to provide excellent, personalized nursing services, helping to ensure that students’ physical and emotional needs are met throughout the school year.
At NRESC, we take pride in empowering non-public schools with high-quality healthcare support, making a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the region.
Meet Diane DeRooy!
Diane DeRooy, BSN, RN serves as the school nurse at Eastern Christian High School and is also the NRESC’s long-time coordinator of non-public nursing. In her role, Diane ensures that all new and returning students meet health requirements, including physicals, vaccination records, and necessary medical forms for students who require medications at school for conditions such as asthma, allergies, or diabetes.
This year, Eastern Christian welcomed 28 new domestic students and 6 new international students, bringing the high school population to 286 students in grades 9–12. Diane coordinates closely with parents, host families, and international advisors, as well as with school counselors, coaches, athletic trainers, and the athletic director, to ensure that all students are cleared for academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.
As NRESC’s coordinator of non-public nursing, Diane also supports other non-public school nurses throughout the year, assisting them with any questions or needs that arise. Known for her dedication and care, she is often affectionately called the students’ “school mom,” providing both physical and emotional support. Diane describes her work as a wonderful and fulfilling privilege.
Meet Gloria Van Dyk!
Gloria Van Dyk, RN is the school nurse at Hawthorne Christian Academy (HCA), which has begun the school year with 534 students in grades preschool through 12. It is both rewarding to welcome back returning students and to meet the new students who have joined the HCA family. Each day, Gloria manages the collection and review of all required medical forms and immunizations, communicating with parents regarding any outstanding information. A vital part of the school nurse role is monitoring students with chronic health concerns and ensuring that necessary medications are available on site to care for students with asthma, diabetes, food allergies, and other conditions. Gloria strives to make every student feel valued and important, addressing their needs—large or small—with care and attention. She describes her work as an honor and expresses gratitude for the privilege of serving the students and families of HCA through the NRESC.
The Global Campus Continues to Grow!
We are thrilled to announce that enrollment at the NRESC Global Campus has now nearly reached double digits! This exciting milestone reflects the growing trust that school districts place in NRESC to provide high-quality educational programs. We sincerely thank our partner districts, including East Orange and Kearny, for entrusting us with the education of their students. At NRESC, we are proud to offer innovative learning opportunities and exceptional support, helping students thrive academically, socially, and personally. The Global Campus continues to grow, and we look forward to welcoming even more students in the years ahead!
Non-Public Spotlight: St. James in Totowa
At St. James in Totowa, Mrs. Jennifer Ingle supports students in first grade as they practice reading and spelling CVC words with short e.
The NRESC makes it easy for districts to meet state requirements for their non-public schools. We handle everything—from providing nurses and speech services to ESL and remedial instruction—so districts can stay compliant without adding extra workload. Partnering with the NRESC means expert staff, streamlined coordination, and peace of mind knowing your non-public students are getting the support they deserve.
Fresh Ideas from NJ School Boards Workshop 2025
This month, Dr. Vancheri, Ann Kluck (Business Administrator), and Marta Ortiz (Human Resources Coordinator) attended the NJ School Boards Workshop 2025 in Atlantic City. They participated in a variety of dynamic workshops, gathering innovative strategies and best practices to enhance NRESC programs and support our partner districts. In addition to attending sessions, our team took the opportunity to network with educational leaders statewide, showcasing the NRESC’s impact and the vital role educational services commissions play in supporting schools. Their engagement sparked enthusiasm and raised awareness of the unique services we provide to districts and students alike. By bringing back these fresh ideas and connections, NRESC is continuing to strengthen its programs, partnerships, and commitment to educational excellence.
Dr. Michael Nicosia Joins NRESC Education Foundation as Treasurer
The NRESC Education Foundation is thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael Nicosia as its new Treasurer! Mike is no stranger to the NRESC community, having recently served as Superintendent of the Bloomingdale Public Schools, a role that also allowed him to serve on the NRESC Board of Directors, most recently as Vice President. The Foundation celebrates a fantastic year of achievements, including a successful golf outing this past May and its first gala in September, both raising vital support for the educational programs and initiatives the NRESC champions. With Dr. Nicosia on board, the Foundation is poised to continue its momentum—and everyone should get ready for the second annual golf outing in May 2026, which will be here before you know it!
Apple Week at Lenox!
Empowering Voices: Staff Spotlight on Chris Lisa
The Phoenix Center Stomps Out Bullying
NRESC Therapist Spotlight: Colleen Takemoto
Rocking After Care in Woodland Park
Music and Rhyme Time with Ms. Sumaiya at School #1 in Woodland Park was a hit this month with the kids!
Communications PD
Items with Our New Logo are Available! 20% OFF Early Bird Winter Sale!
Can you beat Dr. Vancheri with your NRESC spirit? Keep shopping and showing off your NRESC spirit! As a reminder, 12% of all purchases on the website go back to our programs! In addition, there are always FLASH SALES so check in regularly!
One-Stop Shop for Payments!
The NRESC is excited to announce that Community Pass is now the platform for registering and paying for our Before Care, Day Care, and After Care programs! This new system makes the process faster, easier, and more efficient for both families and staff—and we’ve already received rave reviews from parents and staff alike. We’re also looking forward to expanding Community Pass as a one-stop shop for summer school and recreation programs in the near future.
Friendly Reminders
All payroll questions and inquiries can be sent to Mr. Benito Squillaro at payroll@nresc.org.
Calendar Reminders
- November 6-7: NRESC central office, schools, and programs are CLOSED (NJEA Convention).
- November 10-11: NRESC central office, schools, and programs are CLOSED (Veterans Day).
- November 26: Early Dismissal for all NRESC schools and programs, as well as central office.
- November 27-28: NRESC central office, schools, and programs are CLOSED (Thanksgiving Break).
- December 22-January 2: NRESC central office, schools, and programs are CLOSED (Holiday Break).
- January 5: NRESC's central office, schools, & programs REOPEN.
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