Congratulations to the 2026 Robert Ax Award winners, Mr. Carl Helder, GRHS Choir Director and Music Teacher, and Mrs. Lauren Slattery, GRMS Mathematics teacher! ❤️🖤
This prestigious honor, established in 1968 by the Glen Rock Home and School Association (HSA), was created to commemorate the retirement of Robert Ax, the founding principal of Glen Rock High School. The award serves as a tribute to Ax’s legacy of leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to students. Presented annually to a staff member in both the middle school and high school, the Robert Ax Award recognizes educators who embody the values Mr. Ax held most dear: a love of people—particularly young people; an exceptionally high degree of personal integrity; and unwavering loyalty to colleagues, the community, and above all, to students.
Congratulations to both recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for the lasting impact they continue to make on the lives of students, colleagues, and the greater school community! 🐾🪨🏅
Read the full article highlighting Mr. Helder and Mrs. Slattery at https://www.glenrocknj.org/article/3010532.
6 days ago, GRPS Communications
On Senior Service Day, members of the senior class proudly wore apparel representing their post-graduation plans and gathered on the football field for Glen Rock High School’s annual Future Pathways photo tradition. From colleges and universities to career and military pathways, students celebrated the exciting journeys that await them beyond graduation.
Between a bagel breakfast provided by the HSA, special time spent with classmates, assisting with GRMS Get Out and Play Day, and plenty of memorable photos, it was an amazing day to reflect on how far this class has come and look ahead to what’s next.
Congratulations, Class of 2026—we can’t wait to see where your paths lead! ❤️🪨🎓
📸: Lexi Holman ‘26 and Image Art Studio
7 days ago, GRPS Communications
The Class of 2026 spent one of their final days at GRHS making memories and making a difference during Get Out & Play Day for Glen Rock Middle School! ❤️🖤
As part of Senior Service Day, our seniors partnered with 6th and 7th graders to lead a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including bracelet-making, board games, soccer, flag football, spikeball, can-jam, and frisbee. Through teamwork and friendly competition, they served as positive role models while building meaningful connections with the younger students.
Thank you to our seniors for giving back to the school community and helping create a fun-filled day for our GRMS students! ☀️👟🫶🏈🐾
📸: Lexi Holman ‘26 and Image Art Studio
#rockgrnj #classof2026 #seniorserviceday #getoutandplayday #grms grhs
7 days ago, GRPS Communications
Watch live as we celebrate the Glen Rock High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony! ❤️🎥🎓
Once a Panther, always a Panther! Congratulations, GRHS Class of 2026! 🪨🐾🖤
7 days ago, GRPS Communications
Bravo to our talented student musicians on a fantastic Spring Vocal Music Concert! Ms. Lilikas, Mr. Helder, and Mrs. Moscara are proud to share highlights from the May 20 performance, which showcased the dedication, growth, and artistry of our Glen Rock Middle and High School vocal music students. Thank you to our performers, directors, and families for making this evening such a success! 🎤🎼❤️
From manicures with Ms. Hughes to teachers for the day, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School students enjoyed their HSA Auction prizes! Media, music, and physical education were a lot of fun with these special student teachers!
8 days ago, GRPS Communications
Watch live as we celebrate Glen Rock Middle School's 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony! The celebration will be live streamed by Glen Rock Media on Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m.
Glen Rock High School junior Olivia Coppola has been recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView with the prestigious National Community Service Impact Award, earning the Ambassador distinction for completing more than 100 hours of service during the 2025-26 school year. Olivia was formally presented with the award during the Glen Rock High School National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on June 11.
The Community Service Impact Awards recognize students across the country who demonstrate a sustained commitment to service while addressing local and global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This year, students nationwide collectively contributed more than 2.3 million hours of service, generating an estimated $78 million in community impact.
To earn the Ambassador Award, the program’s highest recognition level, Olivia completed 120+ hours of volunteer service between June 2025 and April 2026 through more than a dozen events and initiatives. Within the Glen Rock High School community, Olivia volunteers through the Students for Service Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Girl Up. She has also dedicated her time to numerous community organizations, including St. Catharine Roman Catholic Church, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, the Glen Rock Dog Park, Jersey Cares, and the Borough of Glen Rock. Her volunteer efforts have focused on supporting veterans, senior citizens, children, and families in need. Throughout the year, she created thank-you cards for veterans, assisted with Glen Rock's veterans appreciation events, volunteered at a senior dance, participated in the borough's Shoveling for Seniors program, and sent holiday cards to local nursing homes and senior residents. She also tutored younger students in math and helped assemble toiletry kits, fleece blankets, and donations for toy and baby wipe drives.
“I have been active in community service since I was five years old, and it has always been a consistent part of my life,” she said. “Having a recognition for community service at first felt awkward because acts of service aren’t done to be celebrated, rather to make an impact,” she said. “However, I hope to use this award to inspire others to take initiative to make a change in their community and understand they can make a lasting impact with many different causes.”
Olivia said she felt excited and honored to receive the award and appreciated the support she received from Glen Rock High School staff members throughout the process. “It meant a lot to know that my guidance counselor, Ms. Malone; principal, Ms. Giurlando; and NHS advisor, Ms. Unalp, were supportive of my efforts,” she said. “I am so excited that Ms. Unalp created a new NHS committee that I will chair next year to help involve more students in the UN’s mission of serving people around the world in many different areas.”
For Olivia, community service is rooted in strengthening connections and helping others succeed. “I’ve always felt it is important to share your talents and abilities by helping others grow and thrive while they otherwise couldn’t,” she said. “By actively participating in community service, I not only am able to help those less fortunate but also people who cannot accomplish certain goals they have on their own. I will continue to contribute to the development of our community that is committed to offering support for others with the same consistency and care guided by responsibility rather than reward.” According to UNA-USA Managing Director Farah Salim Eck, the award celebrates students who are taking meaningful action to create positive change. “Students are supporting the Global Goals with heart, hard work, and a clear path forward,” Eck said. “Seeing young people step up reminds us that change is always possible.”
The Community Service Impact Awards are administered through a partnership between UNA-USA and InnerView, a national student engagement platform that helps students document and showcase their service, leadership, and real-world experiences. The three-tier award program recognizes students who complete 40, 60, or more than 100 hours of service during the school year, with Ambassador representing the highest level of achievement.
8 days ago, GRPS Communications
On June 18, Coleman celebrated its amazing 5th graders at their Moving Up Ceremony! As they close one chapter and begin another, we are so proud of all they have accomplished at Coleman School.
We wish each and every student the very best as they head off to middle school. Continue to work hard, be kind, and believe in yourselves. We know you will do great things!
A special thank you to Mrs. Iseman and Mr. Gavin for organizing such a beautiful ceremony and for helping prepare our students for this exciting next step in their educational journey. Congratulations Clara E. Coleman Class of 2026!💛🦅💙
11 days ago, GRPS Communications
Over the past two weeks, seniors have had the opportunity to participate in GRHS’s fourth annual Senior Seminar Series. This variety of seminars is designed to provide “real-world” skills and/or to give them a glimpse into career fields of interest.
Thanks to the generosity of members of our faculty and staff and to parents and members of the Glen Rock Middle and High School Community, students were able to participate in about 15 different seminars, ranging from a cooking class and learning about careers in communications to advice from practicing attorneys about pursuing a career in law to self-defense classes. 📖🎓🧑⚖️🥋💻🧑🍳
#rockgrnj #seniorseminars
11 days ago, GRPS Communications
If you need recommendations for summer reading, please ask a Central first grader! Students recently reflected on authors they have loved and shared recommendations with each other. 📖📚☀️
13 days ago, GRPS Communications
Congratulations to the Glen Rock High School Boys Tennis Team on being honored at the June 15 Board of Education meeting for capturing the 2026 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 1, Group 1 Championship!
Coach Ms. Rebecca Stadlin recognized team members Ido Alkin ‘28, Aiden Chuo ‘28, Nate DeLibero ‘26, Jacob Grinberg ‘26, John Kilar ‘28, Lukas Lee ‘27, Dylan Lee ‘26, Noah Lee ‘26, Noah Lee ‘27, Hudson Pak ‘28, Isaac Schwartz ‘28, and Leo Yoshimoto ‘26 for their outstanding season, dedication, and teamwork.
The team finished the season with an incredible 19-3 overall record and a perfect 12-0 league record. They defeated West Deptford with a score of 4-1 to bring home the state championship trophy—something that has not been achieved by the Boys Tennis Team since 2021.
Congratulations on an amazing achievement and for representing Glen Rock with pride both on and off the court! 🎾🏆🪨
13 days ago, GRPS Communications
Please click here to read the June 15, 2026 BOE Meeting Highlights in our enewsletter, The Glen Rock Board Brief.
13 days ago, GRPS Communications
Congratulations to Connor Bratspies ‘26, Nathan DeLibero ‘26, and Harry Niles ‘26, who were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation at the June 15 Board of Education meeting for their outstanding contributions to Glen Rock Public Schools’ Audio/Visual leadership.
Since their freshman year, Connor and Nathan have played an integral role in broadcasting Board of Education meetings, while Harry has supported countless school events through the AV program, from musicals and coffee houses to other special events throughout the district.
Acting Superintendent Gregory Van Nest thanked the students for their years of dedication, reliability, and behind-the-scenes work that has helped keep district events running smoothly. We also give special recognition to the mentorship and support of Computer Technician, Mr. Keith Harris, who has worked closely with these students throughout their high school careers. 📹🎤🎧❤️🎓
14 days ago, GRPS Communications
Congratulations to Hudson Campbell ‘26, who was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation at the June 15 Board of Education meeting for his service as Student Council Representative!
Over the past two years, Hudson has been a dedicated voice for the student body, developing his public speaking and leadership skills while advocating for issues that matter to his peers. Through this experience, he gained valuable insight into education and local government and shared that he plans to remain involved in his community in the future.
Board members praised Hudson for his thoughtful contributions, professionalism, and commitment to student leadership. As Board President Dr. Damali Robinson noted, his intelligence, dedication, and ability to step up on behalf of his fellow students have made a lasting impact.
Thank you, Hudson, for your service and leadership. We wish you all the best in your bright future! ❤️🪨🎓
14 days ago, GRPS Communications
Studies show that physical activity before a test can help improve focus and performance—and Mrs. Walter’s history students put that theory into practice! ☀️📚
Before their final exam, students headed out to the field during lunch for some fresh air and exercise. Mrs. Walter reminds us that success doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of effort, planning, and showing up ready to do your best. Good luck on finals, Panthers!
Congratulations to our Glen Rock High School nominees for the 2026 North Jersey High School Sports Awards!
NorthJersey.com and The Record will recognize the top high school athletes from Bergen and Passaic counties at this year’s awards ceremony, presented by HSS. We are proud to celebrate an impressive six Glen Rock student-athletes who have been nominated for Player of the Year honors in their respective sports:
🏆 Sean Spitaleri, Senior – Baseball�🏆 Mia Vergel de Dios, Senior – Girls Basketball�🏆 Evan Yuzon, Junior – Boys Indoor Track & Field�🏆 Isabella Flaccavento, Junior – Girls Lacrosse�🏆 Riley Scarpelli, Junior – Girls Lacrosse�🏆 Iza Samu, Senior – Girls Track & Field
The 2026 North Jersey High School Sports Awards show is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Passaic County Technical Institute, where the region’s top athletes will be honored for their outstanding achievements!
These nominations reflect the hard work, dedication, talent, and sportsmanship each of these athletes have demonstrated throughout their careers. Your commitment to excellence continues to make the entire Glen Rock community proud. LET’S GO ROCK! ❤️🏆⚾️🏀🏃🥍🪨
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/06/11/north-jersey-high-school-sports-awards-2026-nominees/90424960007/?fbclid=IwdGRleASZdJtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEePvnf36UJx_u5KPLUPXEIJjqhpaywfVVQVnctcwa2eEKU9bSsvbOqBA3MlhE_aem_gJMrmUVkEBRT4O636Qy-Tw
18 days ago, GRPS Communications
As they celebrate the final days of their journey together at GRHS, members of the Class of 2026 enjoyed an afternoon of friendly competition, pizza, and ice cream at Senior Field Day! Organized by the Class of 2026 Officers and Advisors, seniors returned to their roots by competing as teams representing their elementary schools. From Pickleball and Flag Football to Bananagrams and a Water Balloon Toss, students made lasting memories while showing off their school spirit.
Congratulations to Central School, which claimed the title in this year's Battle of the Elementary Schools! A special thank you to the staff members who volunteered their time to referee events and help make the day such a success. 🐾🪨🍦🏈
Photos courtesy of Alexis Holman '26, Madison Weimer '27, Isabella Barletta '27, and Grace Yetter '27
18 days ago, GRPS Communications
Hamilton’s annual Spring Concert showcased the incredible talents of the 4th and 5th-grade instrumentalists, grade-level vocal performances, and a special performance by the Hamilton Singers that truly wowed the audience.
From the first note to the final applause, our students demonstrated confidence, dedication, and a love of music that filled the room with energy and pride.
Congratulations to Mr. Frey and all of our performers on an outstanding concert! Your hard work and commitment were on full display, and you made the Hamilton community proud. 🎶❤️🎵
