April 2025 Bulldog Bulletin

From academic achievements to athletic victories, community service and outstanding artistic performances, this newsletter routinely spotlights the incredible accomplishments of our students. You’ll see those successes reflected in this edition as well. But behind each of those success stories is the dedication of our teachers, administrators and staff.

With Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week approaching next month, we want to recognize the staff members who go above and beyond for our students and families every day, often behind the scenes – the “unsung heroes” of Rutherford Public Schools.

The next time you visit our schools, please take a moment to say thank you to our:

• Teacher assistants who provide academic and social support to our students
• Custodial and maintenance team who keep our school facilities clean and safe
• Lunch aides and hall monitors who ensure a safe, orderly environment for students
• IT staff who keep us well-connected and informed
• Bus drivers and bus assistants who are the first to see some of our students each day and transport others to field trips and athletic competitions
• Crossing guards who ensure the safe passage of students to and from school
• Clerical and administrative assistants who manage daily operations and communication with parents and staff
• Central Office staff who ensure the smooth functioning of our schools
  

We know the commitment of our teachers, supervisors, and administrators is vital for student success. The work of the “unsung heroes” is paramount to ensuring that success. Thank you for joining me in celebrating the talented individuals who make Rutherford a special place to learn!

Regards,

Jack Hurley

Superintendent of Schools

Lincoln School participated in the Great Kindness Challenge by expressing gratitude for community members who make their days safe. Students delivered thank-you letters to school crossing guards Mr. Mike and Ms. Rita. They noted that the crossing guards are the first smiles they see at Lincoln!

Students also wrote thank-you notes to the mayor of Rutherford, the town council, Chief Russo and the Police Department, as well as the Fire Department, who responds to the schools when needed.

The Rutherford Board of Education's role is to ensure that every student receives the best possible education while preparing them for a successful future. We are proud to align our strategic work with the district’s Profile of a Rutherford Graduate, which defines the key competencies our students need to thrive – Collaboration, Citizenship, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Character and Communication.

Just as we expect our students to embody these traits, we (the Board) hold ourselves to the same standard. Effective school board leadership requires collaboration - working together, listening to diverse perspectives, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit all students. We strive to model citizenship, acting with integrity and responsibility as stewards of the community’s trust.

Our role demands critical thinking skills as we navigate challenges and plan for the future, always seeking innovative, creative solutions. Above all, we lead with character, ensuring our decisions reflect the values of our community and the best interests of our students. And, of course, we remain committed to communication, fostering transparency and dialogue with families, teachers and residents.

Rutherford’s success is built on partnership – among schools, families and the broader community. As we continue this important work, we encourage you to stay engaged, ask questions and share your insights. Your support and involvement help shape the educational experience for all students.

Together, we can ensure that every Rutherford graduate is prepared not just for academic success, but for a lifetime of meaningful contributions.

Sergio Alati, Ed.D

President, Rutherford Board of Education

Following the successful Parent Academy presentations on the book, “The Anxious Generation,” Superintendent Jack Hurley delivered the book's message to students in grades 6-12. Parents who attended the workshops recommended the message from the book also be shared with students.

Students in Pierrepont and Union schools and Rutherford High School were asked to reflect on their own cell phone and social media habits. Using personal stories, anecdotes, and data from the book, Mr. Hurley and his team offered strategies to use phones appropriately and responsibly.

Mr. Hurley noted that phones are a part of our lives and they’re not going anywhere, but we need to understand how they can rewire our brains to create anxiety and depression.

K-12 Supervisor for English and Arts Mr. Ersalesi reviewed data with the students that demonstrated a precipitous rise in anxiety and depression that went hand in hand with students’ unfettered access to the world on their phones, beginning in 2012.

Seniors Blake Smith, Aiden Barone and Aidan Cahill were among 73 students to earn statewide recognition for their creative projects in the New Jersey PTA Reflections contest.

Cahill took the Award of Excellence in the Literature category. In the Film Production category, Smith won the Award of Excellence and Barone earned the Award of Merit. Award of Excellence winners move on to the national contest.

The recognition “makes me feel recognized and filled with pride to know my words have an impact on others,” said Cahill, who submitted a poem about accepting himself.

Student winners left to right: Aiden Barone, Aidan Cahill, Blake Smith

The PTA website says the Reflections program intends to provide “opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.” This year’s theme was Accepting Imperfections and encouraged students to lean into their authentic selves and be reminded that imperfections make us all unique.

“To compete, I knew I had to use my ability to create a striking image that can move enough to linger in the back of a person's mind,” Smith said of his entry in the film production category. “I wanted to make it so every individual shot acted as if it could be framed like a beautiful painting on a wall. Everything needed to be compositionally perfect.”

The three Rutherford High School students will be recognized May 18 at the NJPTA Reflections Awards Ceremony at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School.

The Kindergarten Center kicked off a month-long celebration with Read Across Rutherford – an engaging project that captured photos of students “in the wild” reading throughout the town!

Weekly author studies introduced the young learners to diverse writing styles and built their vocabulary. Rutherford High School students even visited to lead a special read-aloud. Plus, themed days throughout the month linked reading to imaginative play.

Kindergarteners explored non-fiction texts to prepare for a penguin visit and a chick-hatching project. Both lessons provided hands-on learning and combined literacy with memorable experiences to foster a lifelong love of reading.

Washington Elementary recently held its annual Scooterville event, a tradition led by physical education teacher Mr. Melfa and the PTA.

Students practiced traffic safety rules and responsible decision-making leading up to the event during PE class, preparing them to navigate the Scooterville course with confidence.

During the event, each participant received an official Scooterville license, but with great power comes great responsibility! If caught speeding or moving in the wrong direction, students were issued speeding tickets with fun, health-focused "consequences"— such as doing jumping jacks — to "clear" their violation.

Not only is Scooterville a longtime student favorite, but it also reinforces key Profile of a Rutherford Graduate (PORG) competencies.

At the sanitary station with Nurse McShane, students also received hands-on lessons in hygiene. Special lights showed students just how many germs can linger on their hands, reinforcing proper handwashing techniques to stay healthy.

Scooterville seamlessly integrates physical activity with life skills, helping students develop essential habits. We can't wait to see our young riders back on the road next year!

Did you know there are international and national days dedicated to play? Lincoln School celebrated these days by organizing a schoolwide Day of Play. Staff took the opportunity to incorporate skills including collaboration, creativity and decision-making, all while engaging in fun activities.

Teachers planned activities between grades and other creative endeavors to promote good, old-fashioned play without the use of electronic devices. Students were encouraged to bring in board games, crafts, favorite stuffed animals and even cardboard boxes to test their imaginations and personalize their play.

A visit from a therapy clown and homemade Play-Doh rounded out some of the memorable moments. Students did not even realize they were doing math while measuring flour and salt. It's just one of the ways our educators seamlessly integrate critical thinking into learning.

Pierrepont students and staff came together for the school’s annual March Madness Brain Games. The event transformed the school into a hub for collaboration, problem-solving and friendly competition.

Classes were placed into a school-wide bracket and competed in weekly challenges that promoted social-emotional learning, teamwork and critical thinking. Students and teachers worked together to solve puzzles, unscramble words and test their musical knowledge. These engaging activities not only made learning fun but also built essential skills such as creativity and reflection.

Led by Tara Philp and Burcu Demirbulakli, and made possible by a grant from the Rutherford Education Foundation, Pierrepont March Madness Brain Games is a true celebration of teamwork and learning, all while having a fantastic time.

Congratulations to the 2025 champions — Ms. Mann, Assistant Coach Ms. Jordan, and their sixth-grade class!

Several Union Middle School events inspired creativity and encouraged collaboration and curiosity among students, staff and families this season.

At STEM night, the school community explored science and engineering concepts through hands-on activities and interactive displays, like building a circuit or exploring the parts of a cell.

Students and staff also participated in the mid-year New Jersey Positive Behavior Support in Schools initiative. The NJ PBSIS framework is designed to support students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health. Through Pi Day and March Madness-themed games, the initiative helped build a sense of community and recognize positive achievements among students.

Rutherford High School held an exciting and informative Career Fair for juniors and their parents. Hosted by the RHS Guidance Department, the event aimed to provide insights into various career paths and help students explore potential opportunities.

Held in the school gymnasium, the fair featured more than 25 booths representing diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, trades, cosmetology and more.

RHS Senior Ian Oliveira was recently honored as a Bergen County Unsung Hero for his outstanding dedication and service to the school and community.

Ian has quietly made a significant impact on the school community behind the scenes through his team-oriented approach to leadership. He embodies the true spirit of selflessness and character.

Ian (pictured with his school counselor, Ms. Cortes) accepted the honor at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre at Bergen Community College in Paramus.

The Rutherford Education Association held its Seventh Annual March Madness Food & Fun Day on March 29. The nearly 600 community members who attended enjoyed activities such as a magic show, face painting, balloon artists, jewelry making and crafts.

The event showcased student projects, including the Space Missions STEAM project, Discovery Sculptures and Holiday Traditions Quilt. Attendees enjoyed cotton candy, popcorn and carnival games as well as a digital photo booth.

REA collected donations to the Rutherford Food Pantry as admission. Almost 50 items, along with additional monetary donations, were donated by Rutherford residents.

The March Madness Food & Fun Day is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Education Association. The REA represents the teachers, nurses, librarians, counselors, custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, and other dedicated staff of the Rutherford School District.

March Madness is a Rutherford PRIDE event. Rutherford PRIDE is an ongoing campaign created to share the educational successes of the school district with all residents and build strong community support for, and involvement in, our great public schools.

Second-grade enrichment classes at Washington and Lincoln Schools ventured outdoors to take nature photos as part of the unit titled “Voices of the Land.”

Using 35mm digital cameras purchased with a Rutherford Education Foundation grant, each student took three photos of surrounding nature. Photos were posted in a Google slideshow gallery. Each student chose one photo to inspire their haiku writing. Selected photography and poems will be displayed to spark more creativity.

Students from Union School had a unique idea: they wanted to become teachers and work with elementary students. The students took the lead, creating a geometry-focused lesson plan for elementary students at Lincoln School.

The Union School "teachers" introduced the second-grade students to tessellations – patterns formed by repeating geometric shapes – and encouraged them to use their creativity to make unique designs with blocks.

RHS Bilingual Bridge with ESL students in grades 7-12 and UMS Service Club spent a day of culture and fun at the American Dream Mall. Students participated in the Active Game Experience to test the groups’ physical and mental agility. The students then dove into New Jersey’s rich history of innovators at the Foundation for the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Special thank you to UMS math teacher and Service Club co-advisor Season Lyons, ESL teacher Jonathan Chaing, RHS Guidance Counselor and Bilingual Bridge advisor Sarah Cortes, ESL teacher Elba Cruz and UMS math teacher and Service Club co-advisor Jaclyn Hrbek for making this special experience happen.