Congratulations to Central Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, special education teacher Mrs. Crissy Feifer! Mrs. Feifer has dedicated 14 years to the district, including the past five years at Central School. During her time there, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her students and their success. Colleagues describe Mrs. Feifer as someone who truly goes above and beyond for every child she works with. She is known not only for her expertise and dedication, but also for her compassion, positivity, and strong work ethic. Her ability to connect with students and support their individual needs leaves a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to her work with students, Mrs. Feifer is a valued and supportive colleague who contributes to a positive school culture. She is always willing to collaborate and lend a helping hand. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor!
Our littlest learners showed up in a big way! The Early Childhood Program held its very first pep rally to cheer on our GRMS and GRHS students as they prepare for the NJSLA this week. Preschoolers lined the halls with high-fives, fist bumps, and positive affirmations, spreading smiles and encouragement every step of the way.
We’re so proud of this special moment of connection across our schools, and we thank our ECP students for their heartfelt support. Good luck to all of our test-takers; you’ve got this!
We’re so proud of this special moment of connection across our schools, and we thank our ECP students for their heartfelt support. Good luck to all of our test-takers; you’ve got this!
Bring Your Child to Work Day at Glen Rock Middle School & High School was a day full of creativity, connection, and hands-on fun!
Students and their families explored a wide range of activities—from Mystery Crafts and Art-Making Stations with the National Art Honor Society to fun in the gym with Phys Ed. Younger visitors enjoyed Story Time, puzzles, and mindfulness coloring, while others got creative producing their own family video clips in the TV studio. The Relay for Life Luminaria activity and NJHS Scavenger Hunt added even more meaningful and interactive experiences throughout the day.
From the classroom to the counseling office, every corner of the building showcased what makes Glen Rock Public Schools such a special place to learn and grow.
Students and their families explored a wide range of activities—from Mystery Crafts and Art-Making Stations with the National Art Honor Society to fun in the gym with Phys Ed. Younger visitors enjoyed Story Time, puzzles, and mindfulness coloring, while others got creative producing their own family video clips in the TV studio. The Relay for Life Luminaria activity and NJHS Scavenger Hunt added even more meaningful and interactive experiences throughout the day.
From the classroom to the counseling office, every corner of the building showcased what makes Glen Rock Public Schools such a special place to learn and grow.
What is art? On April 22, Mrs. Kazancioglu’s Middle School Gifted & Talented students hosted a special visitor, Dr. Nicola Lucchi, from Magazzino Italian Art in Cold Spring, New York. Dr. Lucchi talked about conceptual art, and students had the opportunity to create their own original pieces.
The 6th graders created art in a new way using stencils inspired by the work of Jannis Kounellis. The 7th and 8th graders began a collaborative piece replicating a current exhibition at the museum by Alighiero Boetti. The idea was that they would design postcards, use the mail service to have them travel through time and space, and then receive them again and arrange them in an artistic manner. This was originally done by Boetti in the 70s and is displayed at the museum now. It was a wonderful experience for all!
The 6th graders created art in a new way using stencils inspired by the work of Jannis Kounellis. The 7th and 8th graders began a collaborative piece replicating a current exhibition at the museum by Alighiero Boetti. The idea was that they would design postcards, use the mail service to have them travel through time and space, and then receive them again and arrange them in an artistic manner. This was originally done by Boetti in the 70s and is displayed at the museum now. It was a wonderful experience for all!
The Early Childhood Program kicked off its Earth Day celebrations with a planting party! Students explored different types of seeds, cleaned water for sea animals, sorted paper and plastic recycling, and used their handprints together to create an Earth.
The learning continued in the classrooms, where students placed a lima bean and a wet paper towel in a plastic bag and made predictions about what would happen. The bags were taped to the window, and students have been observing their growth each day. Students also planted their own seeds and have been watching them grow.
This marked the beginning of many hands-on activities focused on learning how to care for the Earth. The Early Childhood Program proudly pledges to take care of our planet!
The learning continued in the classrooms, where students placed a lima bean and a wet paper towel in a plastic bag and made predictions about what would happen. The bags were taped to the window, and students have been observing their growth each day. Students also planted their own seeds and have been watching them grow.
This marked the beginning of many hands-on activities focused on learning how to care for the Earth. The Early Childhood Program proudly pledges to take care of our planet!
The Wellness Center hosted an impactful assembly for high school students on Thursday. The Black Poster Project provided students with a powerful opportunity to better understand the real impact of substance use and mental health challenges.
Students listened to a presentation from speakers who shared their personal recovery journey, offering an honest and hopeful perspective. Students then participated in a gallery walk featuring posters that honored individuals who lost their lives to substance abuse or suicide. This experience encouraged reflection, increased awareness, and reinforced the importance of asking for help and supporting one another.
Thank you to the Wellness Counselors for making this happen. Thank you to Dawn, Amy, Gary, and the entire Black Poster Project Team for all that they do.
Students listened to a presentation from speakers who shared their personal recovery journey, offering an honest and hopeful perspective. Students then participated in a gallery walk featuring posters that honored individuals who lost their lives to substance abuse or suicide. This experience encouraged reflection, increased awareness, and reinforced the importance of asking for help and supporting one another.
Thank you to the Wellness Counselors for making this happen. Thank you to Dawn, Amy, Gary, and the entire Black Poster Project Team for all that they do.
Congratulations to our GRHS 2026 Teacher of the Year, choir and orchestra director and teacher, Ms. Anna Lilikas!
For the past decade, Ms. Lilikas has been a driving force behind the success and growth of the Glen Rock music program. As a choir, orchestra, and general music teacher, she creates meaningful opportunities for students to perform, connect, and grow through music.
She directs four major concerts each year, plays a key role in the school musical through choreography and costume design, and leads choir competition trips across the country where our students consistently excel and represent Glen Rock with pride.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Lilikas dedicates countless hours to enriching student life. She leads select choirs, advises the Tri-M Music Honor Society, mentors students in regional and All-State ensembles, and was recently selected to conduct the Bergen County Choir. Her impact extends into the community through events like the town’s 9/11 tribute, graduation, Cabaret Night, and Karaoke Night. She also advises Sharing the Arts, fostering inclusive opportunities for students to collaborate through music.
In addition, Ms. Lilikas spent six years as a freshman volleyball coach—further demonstrating her commitment to supporting students in all aspects of their high school experience. Through her passion and dedication, Ms. Lilikas has made a lasting impact on her students and the entire Glen Rock community.
For the past decade, Ms. Lilikas has been a driving force behind the success and growth of the Glen Rock music program. As a choir, orchestra, and general music teacher, she creates meaningful opportunities for students to perform, connect, and grow through music.
She directs four major concerts each year, plays a key role in the school musical through choreography and costume design, and leads choir competition trips across the country where our students consistently excel and represent Glen Rock with pride.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Lilikas dedicates countless hours to enriching student life. She leads select choirs, advises the Tri-M Music Honor Society, mentors students in regional and All-State ensembles, and was recently selected to conduct the Bergen County Choir. Her impact extends into the community through events like the town’s 9/11 tribute, graduation, Cabaret Night, and Karaoke Night. She also advises Sharing the Arts, fostering inclusive opportunities for students to collaborate through music.
In addition, Ms. Lilikas spent six years as a freshman volleyball coach—further demonstrating her commitment to supporting students in all aspects of their high school experience. Through her passion and dedication, Ms. Lilikas has made a lasting impact on her students and the entire Glen Rock community.
Congratulations to GRMS Teacher of the Year, English teacher, Ms. Lisa Limongelli!
Ms. Limongelli brings both deep expertise and a genuine love for her craft and for her students into the classroom each day. Her classroom is a place where high expectations are paired with meaningful support, empowering every student to grow as both a writer and an individual.
By writing alongside her seventh graders, Ms. Limongelli models not only strong writing skills, but also vulnerability, creativity, and thoughtfulness. She challenges her students to reach their full potential while ensuring they have the confidence and tools to succeed.
For 22 years, GRMS students have benefited from her passion, dedication, and ability to make the writing process engaging and accessible. Her colleagues value her collaboration, insight, and friendship, and her warm welcome at the classroom door sets the tone for a positive and inspiring learning environment each day.
Ms. Limongelli brings both deep expertise and a genuine love for her craft and for her students into the classroom each day. Her classroom is a place where high expectations are paired with meaningful support, empowering every student to grow as both a writer and an individual.
By writing alongside her seventh graders, Ms. Limongelli models not only strong writing skills, but also vulnerability, creativity, and thoughtfulness. She challenges her students to reach their full potential while ensuring they have the confidence and tools to succeed.
For 22 years, GRMS students have benefited from her passion, dedication, and ability to make the writing process engaging and accessible. Her colleagues value her collaboration, insight, and friendship, and her warm welcome at the classroom door sets the tone for a positive and inspiring learning environment each day.
Congratulations to GRMS/HS Educational Specialist of the Year, GRMS/HS Wellness Counselor, Ms. Caelie Batelli!
Ms. Batelli goes above and beyond every day to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students. She creates a safe, welcoming space where students feel heard, respected, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges.
Through her compassion, professionalism, and deep understanding of adolescent needs, Ms. Batelli builds strong, trusting relationships and works closely with staff and families to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive. From leading wellness initiatives to advocating for mental health awareness, her impact is felt throughout the entire school community.
Ms. Batelli’s commitment to fostering resilience, teaching positive coping skills, and promoting a culture of wellness continues to make a lasting difference in Glen Rock.
Ms. Batelli goes above and beyond every day to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students. She creates a safe, welcoming space where students feel heard, respected, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges.
Through her compassion, professionalism, and deep understanding of adolescent needs, Ms. Batelli builds strong, trusting relationships and works closely with staff and families to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive. From leading wellness initiatives to advocating for mental health awareness, her impact is felt throughout the entire school community.
Ms. Batelli’s commitment to fostering resilience, teaching positive coping skills, and promoting a culture of wellness continues to make a lasting difference in Glen Rock.
Congratulations to Alexander Hamilton Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, School Counselor, Mrs. Jessica Falkenstern!
Mrs. Falkenstern is a steady, compassionate presence for the Hamilton students, always going above and beyond to support their social, emotional, and academic growth. Her dedication, care, and commitment to our school community make a lasting impact each and every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Falkenstern—this honor is so well deserved!
Mrs. Falkenstern is a steady, compassionate presence for the Hamilton students, always going above and beyond to support their social, emotional, and academic growth. Her dedication, care, and commitment to our school community make a lasting impact each and every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Falkenstern—this honor is so well deserved!
Congratulations to Mrs. Lauren Carter on being named Richard E. Byrd Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year!
As the school counselor, Mrs. Carter positively impacts the lives of all Byrd students each and every day. She supports not only their social and emotional well-being, but also their academic growth, helping every child feel seen, supported, and successful.
Mrs. Carter’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment make her truly invaluable to Byrd’s school community. Your colleagues, students, and parents are so proud to celebrate you—congratulations, Mrs. Carter!
As the school counselor, Mrs. Carter positively impacts the lives of all Byrd students each and every day. She supports not only their social and emotional well-being, but also their academic growth, helping every child feel seen, supported, and successful.
Mrs. Carter’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment make her truly invaluable to Byrd’s school community. Your colleagues, students, and parents are so proud to celebrate you—congratulations, Mrs. Carter!
Congratulations to Clara E. Coleman’s Teacher of the Year, reading specialist Mrs. Susan Zisa!
For 17 years, Mrs. Zisa has inspired a love of reading in hundreds of students, consistently demonstrating excellence in the classroom and earning the respect of students, colleagues, parents, and administrators alike.
Beyond the classroom, she plays a vital role on Coleman’s I&RS team, connects National Honor Society students with younger learners at Coleman, and continues to grow as a leader, earning internship hours while pursuing her second master’s degree in Administration and Supervision.
Her unwavering advocacy ensures every child gets the support they need to succeed, and that impact is felt every single day. Congratulations, Mrs. Zisa! 💙🦅🏅
For 17 years, Mrs. Zisa has inspired a love of reading in hundreds of students, consistently demonstrating excellence in the classroom and earning the respect of students, colleagues, parents, and administrators alike.
Beyond the classroom, she plays a vital role on Coleman’s I&RS team, connects National Honor Society students with younger learners at Coleman, and continues to grow as a leader, earning internship hours while pursuing her second master’s degree in Administration and Supervision.
Her unwavering advocacy ensures every child gets the support they need to succeed, and that impact is felt every single day. Congratulations, Mrs. Zisa! 💙🦅🏅
