February 2026 Bulldog Bulletin

Your voice matters. That’s why the district recently conducted surveys of parents, faculty, staff and students in grades 6-12. This effort reflects our core belief that meaningful progress begins by listening to and learning from our school community.

The feedback we received provides valuable insights into both our strengths and opportunities for growth as a district. Our administrative team will use this data to guide planning and decisions. A summary report was presented to the Board of Education and will be shared with all surveyed groups.

Collaboration is a foundational component of our Profile of a Rutherford Graduate, and this survey exemplifies our commitment to collaboration. The results will shape our work as we engage stakeholders to identify actionable next steps, address areas of need, and enhance programs and practices.

Equally important, we will celebrate and build upon the many strengths our community identified, recognizing the excellent work already happening within our schools. These strengths are reflected in our recent Niche.com rankings, where Rutherford Public Schools earned major recognition among all of New Jersey school districts:

• No. 22 overall best school districts in the state
• No. 13 for school districts with best teachers
• No. 24 for best places to teach
• No. 26 for best school district for athletes in the state

Union School, Pierrepont School, Lincoln School and Washington School also earned the titles Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools from U.S. News & World Report for placing among the top schools in the state. Rutherford High School was also named an AP Honors School by the College Board (Read more about what this distinction means for our students in the article below).

These rankings underscore the dedication of our school community. As we analyze survey results, we remain committed to building on these achievements while addressing areas of growth. Targeted follow-up surveys may be conducted to explore specific programs or emerging priorities.

Thank you to all who took the time to share your perspectives. Your input is invaluable and will directly shape our work to build stronger schools.

Regards,

Jack Hurley

Superintendent of Schools

Rutherford High School has once again earned recognition from the College Board as an AP Honor Roll School, underscoring its commitment to expanding rigorous coursework and supporting student achievement. Since the College Board established the honor in 2023, RHS has been recognized every year, earning bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024 and 2025.

By removing structural barriers, shifting mindsets and making the value more visible to students, the high school has increased enrollment and improved performance. RHS also earned the AP Access Award for providing equitable access to all students, including students of underrepresented populations.

Support is in place to help students succeed, such as summer assignments that give students a feel for expectations and rigor. RHS also normalizes early discomfort and provides structured academic support to retain students.

When asked what message Director of Guidance Jacquie Gagliardo would share with students considering their first AP course, she said, “Your first AP class is about growth, not perfection. Expect the challenge, use the support systems around you, and know that struggle is part of becoming stronger, more confident and prepared for life beyond RHS.”

The Rutherford Board of Education kicked off 2026 with its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 5. While brief, this meeting is important, setting the foundation for the year ahead. The meeting brought together returning Board members and a new face, all united in their commitment to Rutherford’s students and schools.

The purpose of the reorganization meeting is to formally swear in newly elected or reappointed board members, reaffirm the board’s ethical commitment to serving the community, elect officers and approve organizational items such as meeting schedules.

The Board welcomed its newest member, Christina Cates, who was sworn in at the reorganization meeting. Cates brings a unique blend of hospitality and business, having managed iconic New York City restaurants before transitioning to her family’s businesses. As a parent of two Washington School students, she brings a community perspective and personal investment in the district's success.

I am grateful to have been re-elected as Board president for 2026 and am pleased to welcome James Sprayberry as both a re-elected member and our new vice president. Sprayberry brings more than 35 years of experience in technology construction and begins his seventh year on the board. He chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee and has played a key role in supporting the district’s recent referendum.

Also reelected, Chris Conti begins his seventh year on the Board. As a chief innovation officer in entertainment production, Conti brings a forward-thinking approach to the board’s strategic planning, focusing on innovation and long-term success for the district.

While procedural in nature, the reorganization meeting marks the start of a new year of collaboration in support of Rutherford’s public schools. With leadership in place and a shared vision, the board is ready to tackle the opportunities of 2026.

Sergio Alati, Ed.D

President, Rutherford Board of Education

Rutherford’s very own Rocco V. has made his national tour debut in “Les Misérables,” playing the role of Gavroche, a boy who lives on the streets of Paris.

Where in the world is Rocco? A map hanging in the hallway of Lincoln School keeps his classmates connected. Rocco sends photos and postcards from his journey, and his peers follow along and learn about the cities he has performed in on the tour.

Rutherford Public Schools recently participated in the Grief Sensitive Schools Initiative through the New York Life Charitable Foundation, with support from Walter FitzPatrick, Financial Services Professional with New York Life Insurance Company.

Through this initiative, faculty members engaged in professional learning focused on supporting students who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Participating schools received grant funding and access to ongoing resources, including age-appropriate books and materials, helping to foster compassionate and supportive learning environments for all students.

Photo (left to right): Michelle Perez Hoen, Supervisor of Student Services; Jack Hurley, Superintendent of Schools; Walter FitzPatrick, New York Life Insurance Company; and Jacquie Gagliardo, Director of Guidance.

Lincoln School students have been immersed in enriching experiences that blend technology, cultural awareness and artistic discovery.

Students in Ms. DeBouter’s computer technology classes participated in an exciting workshop, co-taught by parent and Rutherford resident Orchun Koroglu, founder of Game Design Academy. Using Bloxels and online programming tools, they designed their own game characters, gaining valuable insight into the world of digital design. Read more on the Profile of a Rutherford Graduate website.

Mrs. Valente’s class ventured on a meaningful journey through the Advancing Literacy Program. Students drew inspiration from reading “The Arabic Quilt, An Immigrant Story,” to create their own Arabic quilt. Family members visited to share cultural experiences and help students write their names in Arabic — a beautiful collaboration to bring the story to life.

These diverse learning experiences demonstrate the district’s commitment to fostering creativity, cultural understanding and hands-on engagement across all grade levels.

Discovery Program students from Lincoln and Washington Schools embarked on their annual trip to Grounds for Sculpture in October.

The experience combined research with hands-on discovery. Prior to the trip, participants chose a sculptor to research, then went on a “scavenger hunt” of sorts to locate their chosen artist’s work. Nearly all students successfully identified their artist in the park, demonstrating keen observation skills.

Nature added its own touch to the day. Students spotted peacocks, frogs and a great grey heron, which Ms. DeBouter mistook for one of the sculptures. The blend of art and nature created an unforgettable learning experience that one enthusiastic student proclaimed as the “best field trip ever!”

The second grade at Washington School participated in a student-centered physical education lesson that blended physical activity with meaningful skill development. Students rotated through stations, each with a general goal, while also being given the freedom to make their own decisions.

At the game stations, students collaborated to decide how they want to play — whether that means creating their own rules or playing for enjoyment. At the building stations, students worked together to design and construct structures of their choice, encouraging creativity and shared problem-solving.

Students actively demonstrate key Profile of a Rutherford Graduate competencies, including critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Students think critically as they plan strategies and solve challenges, collaborate as they share responsibilities, and communicate effectively as they explain ideas, listen to others, and reach agreements.

This engaging approach empowered students to take ownership of their learning while building essential skills that support their growth both in and out of the gymnasium.

Washington School students in Ms. Cruz’s ESL class wrote and shared original stories with Ms. Cruz, Mrs. Saxon and their classmates, focused on pets.

The students included supporting details to strengthen their writing, and several pieces evolved into persuasive essays explaining why having a particular pet, or not having a pet, would be a good choice. Students thoughtfully organized their ideas, used evidence to support their opinions and strengthen their argument, and confidently read their work aloud to an audience.

The lesson highlighted Profile of the Rutherford Graduate competencies, as students demonstrated clear communication by expressing their ideas in writing and speech, and character by sharing personal perspectives with confidence and respect.

Pierrepont School’s new Coding Club provides a dynamic space where grades 4-6 explore computer science fundamentals through hands-on activities that blend creativity with coding.

Using beginner-friendly platforms like Scratch, Blocky and Code.com, students mastered the basics through engaging games and puzzles. The club also incorporated unique art-based projects. Members recently built characters with blocks and then used a pixel art app to recreate their designs digitally. The hands-on approach helps students understand how to construct digital images while developing spatial reasoning and design skills.

The young coders also embrace cutting-edge technology. Students used virtual reality headsets to visit space and travel to locations around the globe. As Pierrepont’s Coding Club continues to grow, it’s building a foundation of critical thinking that will serve students beyond the classroom.

Union School students in the robotics course studied mechanical engineering principles through hands-on challenges that put concepts into practice.

• The first mission? Build a robot strong enough to pull the most weight. Using critical thinking, the students experimented with different gears to achieve the most torque. Each team’s creation was put to the test when the scale measured tractive effort, the true pulling power produced by the gears.
• The building challenge required the class to design a robot that optimally used a four-bar lift to move and stack cubes. To complete the task, each team will need to collaborate, and there is not much time. In only three class periods, teams built an entirely functional robot consisting of a chassis, a manipulator and an implement.

These engaging, STEM-powered challenges blend creativity, engineering and friendly competition.

Students at Union School are applying creativity, critical thinking and collaboration through hands-on learning in their drone elective. In the program, students studied the "physics of flight," including Newton’s Laws, Bernoulli’s Principle, and the forces of flight, to understand how design changes impact performance. Using TinkerCAD and the school’s 3D printers, they then put theory to practice by modifying drone frames and rotors to enhance both appearance and functionality.

Members of the RHS FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) club attended the Fall Leadership Connection held in Edison in November. Students used the conference to connect with members from across the state, attend interactive workshops, participate in community service projects, and learn leadership skills from motivational guest speakers.

Our students excelled as they competed among 600 NJ FCCLA members in various events:

Illustrated Talk (Food & Nutrition):
Sophia Laffler, Jake McAllister, and Kyle O’Niel earned a 2nd place silver medal

Illustrated Talk (Personal Finance):
Akshat Gohil, Om Sonani & Aryan Pansuriya earned a 3rd place silver medal

Financing your Future (Individual):
Homa Zaerzadeh earned a gold medal

Financing your Future (Group):
Aastha Pansuriya, Maya Tenn, Angel Patel earned a silver medal

NJ-FCCLA What’s the Buzz:
Jaime Bolliger earned 1st place gold medal with a perfect score

Cultural Food Fusion:
Lorelei White, Micaela Britez and Jaime Bolliger earned a silver medal

Tune into FCCLA (Social Justice):
Nyla Islam earned a bronze medal

Before winter break, Rutherford High School clubs were busy giving back. Throughout December, our student organizations demonstrated the spirit of the season through dozens of community service projects.

Leading the charge was the Interact Club, whose members assisted with basketball tryouts and equipment organization at the Rutherford Rec Center, volunteered weekly at the Rutherford Food Pantry, supported weekend events at the Kip Center, and helped run activities at the Rutherford Public Library. Members also engaged with Exceptional Individuals, visited kindergarten students at the K Center, and partnered with the Junior Women’s Club during their annual Snack with Santa celebration.

• The Drama Club and International Thespian Society shared their talents through performances at the Kip Center and local schools.
• The Amnesty Club tackled hunger head-on, preparing 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches monthly and creating care packages for the Rutherford Police Department.
• FCCLA members addressed food insecurity and homelessness, organizing food drives and raising funds for Covenant House while collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.
• The French Club and Future Healers Club collected donations and supported the school’s Annual Blood Drive, contributing to a cause that saves lives.
• Glamour Gals brought joy to seniors at the Kip Center with monthly visits featuring companionship and makeovers.
• Heroes & Cool Kids members took part in community events, including the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk and the PBA Trunk or Treat.
• The Multicultural Club members extended their reach beyond Rutherford, sending care packages to deployed Marines and sharing cultural desserts with Kip Center seniors.
• Newcomers Club ensured new RHS families felt welcome through orientation sessions, registration assistance, a dedicated classroom for updates, and a pizza party that helped students transition smoothly.

From preparing meals to honoring veterans, supporting seniors and welcoming newcomers, RHS students proved that the greatest gift is giving back. Their December efforts reinforce mastery of PORG competencies, including citizenship, collaboration and character.

RHS students in Robotics 1 turned the classroom into an arena where engineering principles met strategic thinking. Students applied VEX programming to an exciting tournament that combined technical precision with competitive strategy.

Each match took place on a octagon-shaped field with marked boundaries. A downward-facing color

Most competitors focused on a simple, effective strategy: ram rivals toward the edge to trigger the automatic out-of-bounds shutdown.

The main event used double-elimination brackets. After several close matches, Rena Z. stayed undefeated and claimed first place. The tournament culminated with an all-out battle, with multiple robots competing simultaneously in a thrilling finale that tested adaptability and quick thinking.

Throughout the battles, students modified their robot structures and code, providing a powerful learning opportunity. The unique project-based lesson exemplifies how Rutherford students learn by doing, applying both technical and critical thinking skills.

Forty-four members of the RHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Future Teachers of America (FTA) brought holiday spirit to life in December by delivering more than 100 teddy bears to the Anthony J. Infante PreK 4 School in Jersey City.

Members collected, packaged and personally delivered the gifts as part of a beloved annual tradition that connects communities through kindness. Staff at Anthony J. Infante expressed their deep appreciation for the partnership, which reinforces Rutherford’s commitment to fostering character and citizenship among its students.

Both the FBLA and FTA anticipate continuing the tradition for years to come, strengthening community bonds and reminding students of the power of generosity and teamwork.

Congratulations to Camille Heydorn on being named the 2026 Bergen County Athletic Administrative Assistant Award by the Bergen County Athletic Directors Association.

Ms. Heydorn consistently goes above and beyond to support the Rutherford athletic department, playing a vital role in scheduling, coordinating travel and communication with coaches, athletes, officials and partner schools. Her attention to detail and positive attitude help keep daily operations running smoothly.

Ms. Heydorn will be formally recognized at the Bergen County Awards Luncheon in May.