Please click to read the June 1, 2026 BOE Meeting Highlights in our enewsletter, The Glen Rock Board Brief: https://app.smore.com/n/vghsy

Innovation was in action at the June 1 Board of Education meeting, as members of Glen Rock High School’s Robotics & Engineering Club showcased their impressive work and demonstrated their robots for attendees. Under the guidance of advisors Mr. Robert Lockatell and Mr. Timothy Mure, the program has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years, expanding to more than 50 student participants across two competitive teams: Galactic Pigeon and Cosmic Goose.

Both teams enjoyed outstanding seasons and have established themselves as dominant competitors, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills.

Congratulations to our Robotics Team members: Alex Abova '26, Miguel Acero '27, Nirvaan Aditya '29, Ariz Ahmed '29, Siddhant Aich '28, Aarav Belani '31, Dima Ceres '28, Daivik Chhaya '30, Noreen Chu '27, Selina Feng '27, Anbo Feng '31, Caden Foley '29, Anand Gandhi '30, Kakeru Haraguchi '26, Tamara Inbar '26, Aarav Jain '32, Mia Kawai '27, John Kilar '28, Katelynn Kim '26, Andrew Kim '27, Dylan Lee '27, Hannah Liner '31, Alexander Maguire '27, Grady McInerney '31, Tanvi Mehta '29, Eammon Mulligan '27, Benjamin Natalizio '30, Adam Pak '31, Anderson Pifer '29, Sara Quiroz '27, Jacob Sasunov '26, Logan Seo '29, Shahar Shav '30, Shira Shav '26, Luke Tojima-Gresh '31, Vedant Vadakkan '26, Tobey Yang '29, Joseph Yoo '26, Bryan Youngberg '27, Brayden Youngberg '30, and Adhithya Yuvaraj'27.

At the June 1 Board of Education meeting, the district and BOE proudly recognized the 2026 Teachers and Educational Specialists of the Year. The dedication, passion, and commitment of these educators make a lasting impact on our students every day. Presented by Dr. Damali Robinson, BOE president, and Mr. Gregory Van Nest, Acting Superintendent, congratulations are extended to: 🏆 Byrd School – Mrs. Lauren Carter, School Counselor 🏆 Central School – Mrs. Crissy Feifer, Special Education Teacher 🏆 Coleman School – Mrs. Susan Zisa, Reading Specialist 🏆 Hamilton School – Mrs. Jessica Falkenstern, School Counselor 🏆 Hamilton School – Mrs. Kimberly Castelli, School Nurse (Posthumous Honor) 🏆 Glen Rock Middle School – Ms. Lisa Limongelli, English Teacher 🏆 Glen Rock High School – Ms. Anna Lilikas, Choir and Orchestra Director 🏆 Glen Rock Middle/High School – Ms. Caelie Batelli, Wellness Counselor

At the June 1 Board of Education meeting, Glen Rock Public Schools proudly recognized 13 outstanding educators and staff members for 25 years of service to our students, schools, and community.

For a quarter century, these dedicated professionals have made a lasting impact through their commitment, compassion, and excellence in education. Their contributions have helped shape generations of Glen Rock students, and we are grateful for all they have done and continue to do.

Congratulations to:
⭐ Mrs. Lisa Brown, Special Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Ms. Dianne Carpenter, School Psychologist, GRHS
⭐ Mr. Kenneth Cavanagh, Health & Physical Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mr. Anthony Cece, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mrs. Keri Holmgren, Grade 1 Teacher, Byrd School
⭐ Ms. Vanessa Hurley, Special Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Mr. Christopher Kelley, Latin Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mr. James Kurz, Health & Physical Education Teacher, GRHS
⭐ Mrs. Cathleen Mitchell, Intervention Strategies Coach/BSI Math Teacher, Coleman School
⭐ Ms. Stephanie Nerney, School Nurse, GRMS
⭐ Ms. Susan Stevens, Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Program
⭐ Ms. Tracy Tellis, Special Education Teacher, GRMS
⭐ Mrs. Elizabeth Wanagiel, Special Education Teacher, GRMS

Thank you for 25 years of supporting and empowering our students. Your dedication and care have helped make Glen Rock Public Schools the exceptional district it is today!

Coleman School Field Day was a day to remember! Thank you to Ms. Miller for organizing an incredible Field Day filled with fun activities, games, and team challenges. Students spent the day making memories, sharing laughs, and showing off their school spirit The day ended with a SPLASH as students cheered on principal, Mr. Thompson, as he took his turn in the dunk tank. Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for being such a good sport! A special thank you also goes to the amazing HSA parent volunteers whose time, energy, and support helped make the day such a success! 💙☀️🛝💦 #rockgrnj #colmanschoolgrps #fieldday

What a fantastic Field Day at Central School! From relays and nine square to granny pants races and plenty of laughter, students enjoyed an action-packed day filled with fun, teamwork, and school spirit. The celebration wrapped up with a dance party and popsicles—the perfect ending to an unforgettable day! A huge thank you to Mr. Walsh for organizing such a tremendous event, and a special shoutout to the talented student who designed this year’s Field Day t-shirt.

On Thursday, May 28, ALLIANCE proudly hosted its 10th Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Hamilton Circle in recognition of Pride Month. The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches from senior club members and concluded with the raising of the Pride flag. Students, staff, and community members gathered to show their support and celebrate inclusion, acceptance, and belonging for all. It was a beautiful day to come together as a school community and honor the values that make Glen Rock Public Schools stronger.

Glen Rock High School students made history at RevNJ’s History Happened Here event! Uri Bashan, Maya Coskun, Andreea Irati, Anastasia Koval, Phoebe Martin, and Zachary Yona created history projects that were curated and accepted for display at the statewide event. Out of just 37 projects invited from across New Jersey, four projects from Glen Rock High School were selected. Pictured are the students who presented their projects alongside teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Walter; Dr. Dale Caldwell, NJ Lieutenant Governor; Will Krakower, Director of the Princeton Battlefield Trust; and Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. Swipe to see highlights from the event and the students proudly presenting their outstanding work!

The Byrd Art Show celebrated the year with installations from the Art Pop program and Jason Naylor’s Open Heart Project. The school showcased student projects highlighting their creativity during art instruction led by Ms. Eftimoski and even had student musical performances to add to the event!

Coleman first graders recently celebrated becoming authors during their Writing Celebration!

Under the guidance of Ms. Losito, Ms. Mulkay, and Ms. Hyde, students worked hard throughout their informational writing unit to create their very own “how-to” books. From teaching readers how to make a snack to explaining favorite activities, their creativity, detail, and growth as writers truly shined.

Hamilton’s 5th graders recently visited Liberty Hall Museum for a Pre-Revolution-themed educational program that brought history to life in an unforgettable way. Through tours, storytelling, and interactive learning experiences, students deepened their understanding of the Revolutionary War era and explored New Jersey’s important role in America’s fight for independence.

Thank you to Hamilton's 5th-grade team for helping students experience history in such an engaging and impactful way!

Under the guidance of Ms. Iseman and Ms. Mercer, the Coleman Cares Club spread kindness and creativity around the school by painting rocks with positive messages and uplifting designs!

These special creations will help brighten the outside of the school and remind everyone of the importance of kindness, encouragement, and positivity. We are so proud of the students for making Coleman an even happier place!

Congratulations to GRHS seniors Izabela Samu ’26 and Sean Spitaleri ’26 on being recognized at the NJIC Sportsmanship Luncheon on May 27!

These outstanding student-athletes were honored for demonstrating leadership, integrity, respect, and sportsmanship throughout their athletic careers at Glen Rock High School. The entire GRHS community is proud of the positive example they set both on and off the field.

On Friday, May 22, five seniors including (L-R) Leah Starcic, Annie Leonard, Emily Hochman, Maya Bickel, and Carolyn Piccinnini, and science teacher, Ms. Monica Hughes, attended the Rutgers School of Health Professions Senior Ceremony. At the event, seniors from all over New Jersey who are currently taking a Health Professions Dual Enrollment Course were honored for their hard work and dedication.

Emily and Carolyn both received an award of excellence for their academic achievements throughout the course this year. We also want to congratulate the other seniors who are currently enrolled in Dynamics of Healthcare, but were unable to attend.

GRMS 6th graders turned compassion into action during a recent Walkathon in support of UNICEF, inspired by the novel “Refugee” by Alan Gratz. With an original goal of $5,000, students went above and beyond, raising an incredible $8,939 to help children around the world. We are so proud of their hard work, generosity, and dedication to making a difference!

Coleman hosted an amazing International Night last week! Families came together to share and learn about cultures from around the world through creative displays, presentations, food, and traditions. Student ambassadors did a fantastic job with their projects and proudly shared their presentations with classmates the following day at school.

We are so proud of their hard work, confidence, and dedication. Swipe to see a few students sharing their fabulous work!

History, innovation, sports, music, and so much more came to life at Hamilton’s 3rd Grade Wax Museum!

Students spent weeks researching, reading, and writing about famous athletes, musicians, historians, inventors, astronauts, and other notable figures before stepping into character and sharing their learning with pride.

Families joined us for this special event, and later in the day, other Hamilton classes had the chance to “meet” these remarkable figures as well!
A huge round of applause to our 3rd-grade students and teachers for bringing research, creativity, and learning to life!

The Glen Rock Superintendent Search Online Stakeholder Input Survey closed on May 22, having garnered 330 participants.

Thanks to all who engaged in our in-person input sessions and completed the online survey. All outcomes will be compiled into an internal document which will guide our consultant, Ms. Helewa, and the Glen Rock Board of Education throughout the search process.

The information from our stakeholders will be of vital assistance in determining which candidates will be selected for interviews, and in the formulation of interview questions at each stage of the search (preliminary, first-round, second-round, and final interviews).

Please be advised that the results of the sessions and surveys will not be made public during the search, in order to ensure an authentic vetting and interview process.

Thank you for your support of the Glen Rock Board of Education during this process. Visit our Superintendent Search page for more updates: https://www.glenrocknj.org/o/grpsd/page/superintendent-search