OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
A MESSAGE FROM THE LODI BOARD OF EDUCATION:
One of our goals as a Board is to maintain open lines of communication that connect us, district administration and the public. This inaugural Year in Review publication and the new monthly district newsletter reflect our attempts to do just that.
Although this is a look back on our 2024 highlights, our focus is on the future. We aim to continue answering the needs of our students in an ever-changing world and challenge ourselves, administrators, teachers and staff to think outside of the box to overcome obstacles and introduce innovative learning experiences throughout Lodi Public Schools.
This publication indicates how far we’ve come, but we have even bigger goals in mind. We will reach them even faster with communitywide support. Thank you for your interest and engagement!
FRANK D'AMICO PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT
Appointed superintendent in January 2024, Frank D’Amico still holds onto a powerful memory from about 23 years ago when he first started teaching in Lodi. He had a student, Anthony Gilio, who lost his sight at an early age due to illness. Not complacent with having Anthony excluded from class, D’Amico drew on what he had learned about adaptive physical education at The College of New Jersey.
“We were playing basketball and Anthony came in and sat on the sideline. I went over to ask him to join the class,” D’Amico recalled. “I purchased a basketball with bells in it so he could hear the ball. I used a broomstick to tap on the backboard so he could hear where the hoop was to aim his shots. I can still remember his classmates cheering him on as he participated, and I will never forget the roar of the group when Anthony made his foul shots.”
Born and raised in Lodi and an alumnus of Lodi High School, D’Amico has spent most of his professional career in Lodi. His ties to the community have made his commitment to Lodi Public Schools personal. His effort to involve Anthony serves as just one of many examples.
“His priorities all revolve around people,” said Lodi School Board President Nancy Cardone. “That is what motivates him — taking care of our students, our teachers our families; he just has that genuine devotion that makes him an exceptional educator and school leader.” Prior to his appointment as superintendent, D’Amico was acting superintendent. He served as Lodi High School principal for 12 years, as well as the district’s supervisor of curriculum and instruction, the high school supervisor of health and physical education and an elementary physical education teacher.
“No matter what role he has played in our district, he has given it 150 percent,” said Cardone. “I have never met anyone who works as hard as Frank nor cares as much.”
D’Amico credits his former Lodi High School Football Coach Pat Tirico and other members of the coaching staff with inspiring him to find his purpose in education. “When it came time to choose a career path, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher and coach to have the same impact on the lives of students that my teachers and coaches had on me,” he said.
Tirico also encouraged D’Amico to earn his master’s in Educational Leadership, which he received in 16 months through New Jersey City State University. That helped qualify him to move into administrative roles within the district. While serving as the district’s supervisor of curriculum and
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ROOSEVELT SCHOOL CHOSEN FOR PROMISING PRACTICES PROJECT BASED ON STANDOUT STUDENT PERFORMANCE
R oosevelt School is one of only three schools in Bergen County chosen for the Promising Practices Project based on student achievement in the years following the pandemic.
Through this project, researchers from Rutgers University’s Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies and New Jersey State Policy Lab, in close collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education, are examining what made schools — such as Roosevelt — successful in supporting student growth after the COVID outbreak.
Researchers are looking at fewer than 3% of New Jersey schools, which makes Roosevelt’s selection a tremendous accomplishment for the teachers, students, families, administrators and staff who worked together not only to get back on track after remote and hybrid learning, but to outperform most K-fifth grades in the state.
Researchers identified schools for the Promising Practices Project based on results from the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment — in language arts and mathematics — taken during the 2022-2023 academic year.
When Roosevelt reopened full time after the pandemic in Fall 2022, Principal Jack Lipari was new to the school. He said he was instantly struck by the genuineness of the staff to connect with and support each student.
"THE PRECURSOR TO ALL OF OUR SUCCESS IS RELATIONSHIPS"
Lipari continued, “Our teachers already had established strong personal relationships with students and their families; they already demonstrated they cared, and that was the extra motivation many students needed to give it their all and charge ahead.”
Lipari added that parents and guardians also stepped up to support their students and — most important — prioritize their attendance at school. “Attendance was another important factor in our success,” he added. “We had a tiered system of communication to share messaging not only about how the district was prioritizing health and safety but why a return to school was so important to our students’ immediate and long-term successes.”
The teamwork of the Roosevelt School staff also ensured student and family needs coming out of the pandemic were identified and discussed before setting goals to meet them. Lipari said they looked at national and state trends, as well as discussed what was happening in their own district and school, so they could respond effectively.
“Our entire staff is open to new ideas and their own growth, so that culture also worked in our favor,” Lipari said. He added that this culture drives creativity and engagement. “There is so much movement in our classrooms and multisensory and interactive learning.”
Roosevelt School’s best practices will soon be featured in a report by Rutgers and the Department of Education for other schools throughout the state to review and consider incorporating into their own plans for student growth.
• Mini lessons during the morning lineup began to engage the entire school in meaningful, character-building content and activities. The goal has been to take special days or weeks on the calendar such as World Kindness Day and build a lesson around the original purpose of the occasion.
• Roosevelt earned a School Report Card rating of 85 one of the highest scores in the area!
• Roosevelt students showed up! The school’s chronic absenteeism percentage was well below the state average and the lowest figure since the pandemic.
LHS SCIENCE TEACHER EARNS NATIONAL MILKEN AWARD
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odi High School science teacher Virginia Fasulo, who created a pre-med program for her students, was recognized last school year with the prestigious national Milken Award. She was one of only three honorees from New Jersey.
The New Jersey Department of Education; state, county and local officials; and Lodi Board members attended a school assembly to surprise Fasulo with the news and celebrate her tremendous accomplishment of being named among the nation’s best of the best in education.
Fasulo had a strong personal interest and background in the medical profession and found that her students responded to stories of her personal experiences with science and medicine more than theoretical instruction.
When students who were interested in pursuing careers in medicine personally approached her, asking her advice, she decided to create a Pre-Med Club, which attracted 80 students to the first meeting. Fasulo responded by giving the students what they wanted. She started teaching an anatomy and physiology class that summer, and then one pre-med class turned into two and evolved into what is now a full-blown pre-med curriculum featuring four different classes, she said.
Superintendent Frank D’Amico said the Pre-Med Club, which started 10 years ago, caught on with students because of Fasulo’s passion for the subject matter. “When I asked Mrs. Hansen, the science supervisor, and Continued on next page
Mrs. Fasulo if they would like to start a pre-med program and course of study, they were all in,” D’Amico explained.
The group got to work, planning and designing the concept of the Biomedical and Exercise Science Lab, which features a fully simulated hospital with three suites, complete with functioning equipment and smart mannequins. The lab opened in 2020, after what D’Amico describes as a period of “hard work, research and development,” and the first pre-med program students began learning in this innovative space.
“Mrs. Fasulo and Mrs. Hansen created a oneof–a-kind opportunity for the students at Lodi High School to learn in a medical training facility
that is usually only found in nursing and medical schools at a university level,” said D’Amico. “This program and Mrs. Fasulo's instruction have opened the doors of medicine to many of our students."
Fasulo’s students have attended live surgeries and medical training. She has even involved local hospitals and doctors' offices.
"The pre-med program is a special project of mine for the last 10 years," Fasulo said after receiving the award. "I am so proud of my students."
One of her first students has just graduated from medical school, she noted.
The Milken Awards, often called "the Oscars
of Teaching," are prestigious $25,000 awards created by Lowell Milken in 1987 to inspire excellence in the world of education.
INTRODUCING NEW LODI LEADERSHIP
L odi High School Principal Michael Attanasio joined Lodi Public Schools on July 1, 2024; not long after, he was the one rolling out the red carpet for staff — literally. He welcomed staff back this school year with a red carpet welcome and has since given the same VIP treatment to student athletes during the reveal of the new Lodi High School gymnasium floor. Such enthusiasm, paired with his professional qualifications, made Attanasio the right choice to become Lodi High School’s next principal.
Attanasio said he also chose Lodi. He had spent the past 19 years in the Westwood Regional School District, six as vice principal of Westwood Regional Middle School. When the opportunity came up at Lodi, his interest was piqued because he said he had heard “great things” about the district as well as former LHS principal, now district superintendent, Frank D’Amico.
“I WASN’T LOOKING FOR ANY JOB; I WAS LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT TEAM TO JOIN, AND AS I MET MORE AND MORE PEOPLE DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, I WENT FROM BEING INTERESTED IN THE PRINCIPAL ROLE TO REALLY WANTING IT”
Attanasio continued, “I knew I’d have big shoes to fill, but I liked the challenge, and I liked the team and the culture where I could see this being a long-term commitment, and that’s what I wanted.”
Attanasio went through the Westwood schools himself and then attended William Paterson College, now William Paterson University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation. He remained connected to his alma mater, especially the wrestling coaches who inspired him as a
student-athlete. While in college, he helped out with the team, and over time, his commitment to the team and his love of coaching grew. He found himself coaching two or three sports at a time at Westwood, which became harder to juggle with his cardiac rehab career.
“I found coaching so rewarding and began to feel more connected to coaching and teaching, so I decided to change careers,” Attanasio explained. He taught in the South Bronx for four years before heading back to Westwood, where he earned his teaching degree through the Alternate Route Teacher Training Program. Here, he taught health, physical education and driver’s education. Over his 19-year tenure at Westwood, he earned his master’s degree, principal certification and coached over 50 seasons in just about every sport: wrestling, soccer, track and field, cross country and even volleyball.
“Even if I didn’t know much about the sport, I said ‘yes,’” Attanasio explained. “And, that’s been my philosophy throughout my career: say ‘yes’ and see a challenge as an opportunity for growth and, of course, to help out others.”
At LHS, Attanasio has aimed to become part of the “fabric of the school” by building relationships. “My main goal this year is to make sure we reflect our core values, especially the one about community; I want to personally make each new student and family, each new staff member and each current student feel welcome and understand that we can achieve great things — especially when we are working together.”
Fostering that sense of community at LHS also means celebrating achievements. The red carpet is just one of his tactics. Attanasio shows up on morning announcements to give students
special recognition and encourages students to wear the shirts he hands out when they are recognized for demonstrating one of the school’s core values.
“LODI IS A SECRET; PEOPLE DON’T KNOW HOW MANY GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING HERE IN THIS BUILDING, BUT WHEN YOU STEP INSIDE, IT’S CLEAR”
Attanasio continued, “There isn’t a section of wall that doesn’t have a quote connected to our core values or remind us that our motto is ‘Be a Champion Today,’ all of which influence students and staff to give it their best and be their best.”
“We recognized during the interview process that Mr. Attanasio was the candidate out of a pool of strong applicants who would work well with our team to lead and commit to making our school community even better,” said Superintendent D’Amico. “We welcome him to Lodi.”
Attanasio resides nearby in Rutherford with his two children, Jack and Cara, his stepson, Nicholas, and his wife, Cheryl.
D'Amico, Continued from page 1
instruction, D’Amico said he was influenced by another mentor, former Lodi Superintendent Frank Quatorone.
“I served in this role for six years and learned a lot about administration and leading under his mentorship and working firsthand with the veteran principals and administrators throughout the district,” he added.
D’Amico helped infuse technology into the curriculum, leading the introduction of Smart Boards into district classrooms. He also served as the data coordinator, analyzing student performance and using the findings to plan new programs and instructional strategies to boost student achievement.
Such data-informed decision-making continued to make D’Amico an effective leader as LHS principal and now superintendent. As the high school principal, he prioritized improving college and career planning for both students and families.
When hired as LHS principal in July 2012, D’Amico was reunited with so many familiar faces from his time as a student: then Vice Principal Rachel Yzquierdo his favorite high school teacher; then Director of Guidance Jamie Ciofalo his freshman football coach; and, of course, Tirico. In his first year as principal, he fostered new relationships and added a key player to the administrative team in Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Al Tarleton.
“Our team was assembled, and we went right to work,” D’Amico said. “Lodi High School is a special place, but we had plans to take it to another level.”
Together, the team instituted programs such as Instant Decision Days and Financial Aid nights to help students plan for and find success after Lodi. Other highlights include raising the number of AP course offerings from four to 17, increasing access to and support for PSATs and SATS, and developing a Student Achievement Program (SAP), which was effective in raising the graduation rate
over just four years from 72 percent to 97 percent.
“We saw results because of the commitment of our team; the number of students going to four-year colleges shot up in just a matter of years, too,” D’Amico said. "I personally took pride in our progress because as a first-generation college student myself, I understood that while families provide tremendous support, they don't always have all the information to make students fully aware of a variety of college and career options and how to pursue them.”
D’Amico said current Director of School Counseling Christine Orosz has a background similar to his, which furthers her understanding of the challenges students and families face when navigating college for the first time. She has played an integral role in developing and implementing the resources and programs D’Amico championed.
As a former curriculum supervisor, D’Amico was also effective in introducing focused learning opportunities with programs in engineering and construction technology and biomedical exercise science to help students jumpstart their futures. He also helped create the Felician Academy program, which gives students access to earn close to 60 college credits while in high school.
Perhaps the most visible impact D’Amico had on the high school was his introduction of
the core values and “Be a Champion Today” motto that are incorporated into signage throughout the school and spirit wear. These are daily reminders that, in Lodi, success is measured beyond academic performance to include a person’s character.
Now, as superintendent, D’Amico said his goal remains “providing students with the resources and support to reach their full potential and develop a strong sense of community.”
Looking at the immediate future, D’Amico also prioritized these district goals:
• Expanding access to public preschool for all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds;
• Attracting, hiring and retaining highquality educators;
• Providing more inclusive opportunities for special education students to learn alongside their peers in the least restrictive environment;
• Offering all students mental health supports and social-emotional learning opportunities;
• Developing innovative programs providing students in grades PK-12 with high-quality instruction in STEM; and
• Celebrating the achievements of Lodi students and school community by creating a communication plan for sharing district news and announcements.
D’Amico said his wife, Tracie, and children, Francesca and Rocco, have provided him with unwavering support as he has dedicated much of his time and energy into his roles in Lodi Public Schools. He said his family shares his appreciation for the Lodi school community as they have accompanied him over the years to many sporting events, performances and weekend visits to the office. His kids even learned to ride their bikes in the LHS gymnasium.
THE STARS OF LODI OUR STUDENTS
ALEXANDRA PEREIRA IS 2024 YOUTH OF THE YEAR
L odi High School junior Alexandra Pereira was recognized in her sophomore year as the Boys and Girls Club of New Jersey's Youth of the Year for 2024.
Last March, Alexandra won the Youth of the Year award for the Lodi Boys and Girls Club and a $2,000 college scholarship. She then moved on to the statewide contest, for which she wrote three essays and went through several interviews in May. Her submission detailing her volunteerism earned her the top state award and a $12,500 scholarship.
"I felt extremely proud," Alexandra said. "I worked really hard. If you stick with something and you work towards it, you can achieve anything."
The award is presented annually to students who make an impact on their community. When Alexandra was in middle school, she sought volunteer opportunities as a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Her research led her to Keystone, a Boys and Girls Club program. "I started volunteering and I really liked the people, so I decided to stay and get more involved," she said.
Alexandra volunteered and tutored children at Keystone, which, she said, “helped me realize my true passion of being a voice for children and advocating for them." In the future, Alexandra will continue helping others through her career. She plans to study social work in college and hopes to attend the University of Connecticut.
She takes many AP and honors classes, enjoys playing as a center forward on the high school basketball team and plays the tenor saxophone and clarinet for the jazz band, honors band, orchestra and pit band. She is also the assistant drum major for the marching band.
Alexandra’s guidance counselor, Carissa Werlitz, commended Alexandra for being an academic scholar, an athlete and member of several clubs, as well as an active volunteer with the Keystone Club and Boys and Girls Club. “Alexandra is truly amazing in so many ways and is the epitome of a wellrounded student,” she said.
Last year, Alexandra dealt with a knee injury during the basketball season. She worked hard in physical therapy to be cleared and back in the game as soon as possible, attending every practice and game on her crutches. Recently, Alexandra was on a bus enroute to a Feed the Needy event and spoke with Supervisor of Athletics & Activities Alyson Gorski about the girls’ basketball team captains. “She explained to Coach Pasqualone that her senior teammate, Amber, deserves the title – even before herself,” Gorski said. “This is just who she is! She is selfless, so very aware and incredibly motivated.”
Gorski said she was not surprised Alexandra received a state award for the Boys and Girls Club, noting how she always puts others before herself.
LODI TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN 2024 VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN
W hen the Lodi High School Class of 2024 graduated in May, Director of School Counseling Christine Orosz recognized salutatorian Yousef Kalash and valedictorian Mariam Elmais for exemplifying the school’s core values: perseverance, integrity, respect, courage, community and excellence.
“I am inspired by their hard work, dedication, humility and outstanding achievements,” she said. Orosz noted that Yousef, who is studying economics at Princeton University on a full scholarship, was accepted to many top schools. Perhaps what impressed Orosz the most about him was his efforts to continue to give back to his community. Just weeks before graduation, he approached Orosz and asked if he could organize a few students to read books about acceptance and inclusivity to kindergarten students at Lodi elementary schools.
“Yousef is not only extremely intelligent, but he is also personable, kind, caring and continues to give back to his community,” added Orosz.
Mariam, who is attending Columbia University on a full scholarship, conducted an internship at Columbia in cancer cell research. “She impressed the researchers she worked with so much that she was trusted to analyze cancer cells and report her findings,” Orosz said. “The professors and researchers she worked with even named her as an author in their research study, which is published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. Mariam hopes to be a cardiothoracic surgeon one day and I have full confidence that she will not only accomplish this goal, but she will lead her field.”
PLACES, PROGRAMS AND PEOPLE
TAKING US TO THE NEXT LEVEL
L odi High School’s new Innovation Lab offers students the chance to experiment with modern technologies and try out approaches to create innovative content. It is an extension of the resources offered by the high school's Media Center.
In this lab, students can explore emerging media formats, develop new techniques to share information and test out cutting-edge tools for media production and distribution in an interactive and collaborative setting.
The lab, which opened in October, exposes students to possible career paths that they may not have previously considered. Students can explore the design process and use of rapid prototyping equipment. They can also produce design ideas, collaborate with their peers, and see their designs come to life. Students broadcast announcements in a newscast format each morning in the lab with one producer and two presenters. They also create digital media presentations and use sewing machines.
“We are hoping this will help students develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving through hands-on experimentation with new technologies,” said Lodi Science Supervisor Thao Hansen. “Plus, they are having a lot of fun and building camaraderie with other students who they may not have met if not for this opportunity. This is building a sense of community for them.”
LODI’S ENRICHMENT AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM BOOSTS STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM
Lodi’s enrichment afterschool program, known as LEAP, provides middle school students with free extra services after school every Monday-Friday during the school year from 3 to 6 p.m. and also throughout the summer. This program is in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club and is made possible through a 5-year grant, awarded through the state.
Programs offered include robotics, STEAM, film, culinary arts, photography, candy making, business, Lego design and more.
“Students have a voice in the programs we offer,” said Teresa Kersey, director of the LEAP program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. “It is important that students are interested and come consistently.”
LEAP also offers a tutoring component for students.
“This afterschool program is so valuable because it is strengthening those post-COVID relationships,” added Kersey. “We are building students’ social and emotional connections, self-esteem and interpersonal connections.”
Nearly 63% of the class of 2024 attend four-year colleges.
• About 28% attend two-year colleges.
• At the Fall 2024 Instant Decision Day for seniors, $277,500 in college scholarships was offered to Lodi graduating seniors.
• Also at Instant Decision Day, students completed 72 applications to 17 colleges and received 64 acceptances and eight were waitlisted.
• The district offers free PSAT testing for students in grades 8 through 11.
The School Counseling Department offers several programs that support students and families throughout their college and career research and application journey such as but not limited to classroom lessons, financial aid information sessions and workshops, Career Week presentations, college campus visits, and college admissions representative presentations.
NEW HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM FLOOR MATCHES OUR SCHOOL PRIDE
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odi High School unveiled a refinished gymnasium floor last school year with the Ram head featured prominently in the center, the “Be a Champion Today” school motto along the sidelines and the signature of Bill Masopust, a former teacher, athletic director and girls’ basketball coach, for whom the court is dedicated to.
Once the new floor was completed, all winter athletes were invited to a special in-school meeting to learn about the expectations for winter athletic teams. “We wanted to give our athletes the first opportunity for a ‘sneak peek,’” said Supervisor of Athletics & Activities Alyson Gorski. The gym was opened to PE classes that following Monday. Gorski, Lodi High School Principal Michael Attanasio, and Superintendent
Frank D’Amico surprised the athletes with a red carpet at the entrance and walked the students around the renovated space. “Mr. D'Amico spoke about continuing our strong tradition of athletics at LHS, and I focused on the future of Lodi winter sports and how excited and proud we were to have the gorgeous new gym to start making memories in,” Attanasio said.
The moment “recognized the hard work, dedication and sacrifices our student athletes make to be a part of our athletic program,” Gorski noted. “Seeing their excitement and pride during that unveiling was truly special.”
In November, the district hosted a special ceremony where Gorski cut the ribbon to officially open the gymnasium with its newly renovated floor.
DRAMA
Lodi math and English language arts (ELA) coaches play a crucial role in supporting our teachers by providing targeted guidance and resources that enhance classroom instruction. “They work closely with teachers to identify areas for growth, offering tailored strategies and best practices to improve teaching methods,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Lynda Puso.
The five coaches facilitate professional development opportunities, help teachers analyze student data, and collaborate on lesson planning, ensuring that lessons are both effective and engaging, she said. “By offering ongoing support and feedback, the math and ELA coaches empower teachers to strengthen their skills, stay updated on the latest educational trends and ultimately provide students with the best learning experience possible.”
L ast year, the LHS Drama Club musical production was "Spamalot," a hilarious rendition of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. Students worked for months to learn accents, choreography and comedic timing to bring this show to life. The two weekends of performances brought critical acclaim and delighted audiences who enjoyed participating in the show.
Drama students are currently working on their musical for 2025. "Mean Girls" will begin performances March 7
The middle school Drama Club produced "Annie the Musical" in April of 2024. Over 40 students in the production met after school every Friday between October and April to prepare and then met every day after school two weeks prior to opening night. The dedication of these students showed in their performance when audiences cheered them on! High school students even volunteered to help their younger classmates with production as well. Stay tuned as TJMS will be producing "The SpongeBob Musical" in April of 2025
Lodi elementary school fourth and fifth grade students continue to grow musically with a new after-school elementary band program.
Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher Louis Ricco, the program's band director, said the purpose of the after-school band program is to expand on what students learn at their lessons and "take it to the next level" of performance preparation. In lessons, students work on their own instruments, but in the band program, they are exposed to the other instruments and work together to create a band.
The bands from each Lodi elementary school perform at holiday concerts at their respective schools and then come together in the spring for a districtwide spring concert.
"With the implementation of the afterschool program, I've seen the skills increase exponentially in the students," Ricco said. "This program has allowed students who picked up the instrument as recently as seven weeks ago to perform at a concert with their peers for their parents and families — and with great success."
There are 41 in the band at Washington, 34 at Columbus, 23 at Roosevelt, 22 at Hilltop and 18 at Wilson.
In 2021, the district created a program that allowed Ricco to work with fourth and fifth graders at all five district elementary schools.
Previously, students received instrumental music lessons weekly for only 25-30 minutes. The new after-school band program allows students to rehearse together after school once per week at their respective school as well as longer 45-minute lessons where they learn rudimentary basics, including how to read music, properly hold and maintain the instrument, produce sound, manipulate the instrument change in pitch (if applicable) and how to listen to the music they create and critique it.
The importance of an elementary band program in a school district is undeniable,” Ricco said. "Music is an art that contains every element of what we learn in school — math, science, language, social studies. Having the option to learn to play an instrument from fourth grade gives the child eight years of instruction from elementary to high school."
Superintendent Frank D'Amico said the addition of the after-school elementary band program "has been a transformative experience for our students. It enhances their musical abilities and builds essential life skills like teamwork, discipline and perseverance. The sense of accomplishment they gain from learning an instrument and performing together has had a positive impact on their confidence and sense of belonging to the school community."
Washington School Principal Kevin Dowson
commended the new program. “Mr. Ricco has done an excellent job thus far not only as director of the elementary band program, but also as a recruiter and champion of music education,” Dowson said. “Student participants in band are treated to an experience that is equal parts academic, social-emotional learning and enjoyment.”
Wilson Principal Dr. Christie A. Vanderhook said the after-school band program provides students with numerous benefits that extend beyond music. “Learning to play an instrument enhances cognitive development, strengthens memory and improves math and reading skills,” she said.
WILSON KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS SHOWCASE THEIR ALPHABET KNOWLEDGE AT ABC FASHION SHOW
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ifty-six Wilson School kindergarten students dressed up in the ABC Boot Camp vests they created and modeled them for family members, teachers and friends along the catwalk in a special fall fashion show.
The fashion show is part of the district’s phonics program, Fundations. The kindergarten students learned the alphabet's letters, the sounds they make, what words start with each letter and the sign language used to communicate each letter. Each student was assigned a letter and then created a vest at home using brown paper bags, old magazines and arts and crafts materials featuring that letter and objects that start with it.
DJ Rocky Crespo played fun music for the event including the Jackson Five’s “ABC,” and the Village People’s “YMCA” as students danced their way down the carpet. The event also featured balloons and bubbles.
Wilson Principal Dr. Christie Vanderhook thanked parents for attending and helping their students create the vests at home, which she said is part of a “celebrated partnership between school and home.”
As students made their way down the runway, Reading Specialist Jennifer Costello introduced them and the letters they represented including “B for balloons, buns and basket” and “D for dinosaur and dishes” and shared fun facts about the students. She also shared how one child wants to grow up to be a basketball player, but another wants to be a firefighter. Another student enjoys playing with Legos and one girl loves the Dr. Seuss book “The Cat in the Hat.”
One student who created a vest for the letter “M” styled it with big marshmallows glued on. At the end of the program, the three classes of kindergarten students gathered on stage to sing the “See it, Say it, Sign it” song by Jack Hartmann.
The kindergarten classes at each elementary school in the district participate in the ABC Boot Camp program each year, but each does something a little bit different, noted Director of Curriculum and Instruction Lynda Puso.
Lodi elementary schools have made a positive, inclusive environment a priority for staff, students and their families.
The schools observed many theme days over the past year, all to promote positivity and inclusivity. Special events included a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) pep rally, Week of Respect and Red Ribbon Week, with many activities encouraging students to make good choices. The spring of 2024 also fostered many good vibes with Friendship Week and Read Across America Week.
Students gained an appreciation for diversity and celebrated their differences, and the year featured many recognitions of student and staff successes and even early career and college exploration.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
L ast winter, Lodi High School’s Leeana Mercado made history by earning her second state wrestling title. She also repeated as the county and region champion.
Leeana became the fourth state champion in Lodi’s wrestling history, but the first to win multiple times, securing her place in the school’s history book. She told the Bergen Record that she hoped “to be an inspiration for anyone else wanting to wrestle or just wanting to get better.”
Leeana also credited the team around her for helping her progress and stay focused, including Lodi Wrestling Coach Jeff Rodriguez. Lodi Supervisor of Athletics & Activities Alyson Gorski said Leeana sought out opportunities to learn from others, but also had the innate drive that made her a champion.
“She’s always gone above and beyond, working as hard as she can to reach her goals, and then she’d just set a new goal and work toward that one,” added Gorski. “She’s a role model, and she’s embraced that responsibility. She even goes back to her rec wrestling program to help recruit more females into the sport and assist with training.”
In May, Leeana traveled to Puerto Rico for the Pan-American trials, where she also placed first. Her dominance may eventually lead her to the national team, but for now, she is focused on succeeding at the collegiate level on the North Central College team in Illinois.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND FORMER FOOTBALL COACH PAT TIRICO RETIRES
ALodi teacher, coach and mentor for more than 40 years, Pat Tirico retired last year after serving Lodi Public Schools as athletic director since 2005. But, if you ask him, he never worked a day in his life because of how much he enjoyed being part of the “Lodi family”. Prior to moving into administration, Tirico was a physical education teacher and a longtime football coach.
Tirico’s three state championships as Lodi’s head football coach in ’92, ’98 and ’05 sealed his legacy, yet those who know him say his impact on Lodi is much greater than these wins.
“He was a big-hearted leader,” said current Lodi Supervisor of Athletics & Activities Alyson Gorski. “He always led with love and respect, which built a mutual respect between him and anyone around him, and that always resulted in positive outcomes. If you were around him, you’d do anything to make him proud.”
Gorski said Tirico was her supervisor when she initially joined the Lodi staff as a physical education teacher. She said she always saw him as more of a mentor than a boss and now looks to apply much of what she learned from him as she steps into the athletics supervisor role.
“My goal is not to change much of what he’s built, but instead, keep building,” Gorski said. “He’s influenced every program and played a significant role in building our female programs, which impacted me and my own experience as a student-athlete at Lodi.”
Much like Gorski, Lodi Public Schools Superintendent Frank D’Amico was influenced by Tirico as both a student and a professional.
“I played quarterback for Coach Tirico for four years and always admired the way that he inspired his student-athletes to give their personal best,” said Superintendent D’Amico. “He developed a strong feeling of family on his teams and always preached that we were all here for each other. I learned many lessons about hard work, integrity, team and leadership from Coach Tirico and
Alyson Gorski was a three-sport athlete at Lodi High School on the soccer, basketball and track teams. She said the friendships she made have endured into adulthood. These relationships are largely what motivated her to apply for the supervisor of athletics & activities role at her alma mater when longtime Lodi Athletic Director Pat Tirico announced his retirement in 2023.
“Reason number one to go for this role was I wanted to support the students in having the same experiences I had; there’s nothing like the bonds you form when you’re competing with a team,” said Gorski.
“Reason number two: my love for Lodi,” she added.
Gorski grew up in Lodi, attending Wilson School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Lodi High School. She also spent the last 15 years of her professional life in Lodi Public Schools. She was a health and physical education teacher before assuming responsibilities as athletic director and supervisor of extracurricular clubs and activities.
She is appreciative to move into this role with the backing of Lodi High School Principal Michael Attanasio, who has a long history as a coach and was a former athletic director in his prior district.
“Not many athletic directors are fortunate enough to have leaders with
the rest of his coaching staff.”
D’Amico said that Tirico inspired him to become a teacher and later encouraged him to pursue his master’s in Educational Leadership. When Tirico became athletic director, D’Amico then had the credentials to move into Tirico’s previous role as supervisor of health and physical education. “He saw something in me,” D’Amico said, crediting Tirico as a significant influence on his career trajectory.
According to Tirico, having former students, such as D’Amico and Gorski, return to the district as professionals gave him new energy at the end of his career. “They have the power to carry on our traditions, but also make their own impact,” Tirico said of the new generation of Lodi leadership.
“We always stressed the importance of family and friends and building our Lodi family, and such relationships have made for a pretty good life’s journey,” Tirico added.
Although Tirico has aimed to travel and enjoy his role as a grandfather in retirement, his ties to Lodi keep him close. He rarely missed a football game this past season and he continues to find it rewarding every time he connects with alumni.
such knowledge, experience and unwavering support for their athletic programs,” said Gorski of Attanasio.
Gorski’s day-to-day responsibilities include organizing, planning and scheduling all high school athletic events as well as overseeing about 50 clubs, ranging from Student Council and Drama to Hiking and Surfing.
Still, she is looking to do more. She’s especially excited about a new initiative to offer all high school students especially Lodi’s student-athletes — the opportunity to participate in a strength and conditioning program. “Anyone can benefit, and our athletes will become more competitive as they focus on personal goals, taking small steps all year for big improvements when it comes time for a game, match or meet.”
Gorski also hopes to connect more with Lodi’s youth recreation programs to expose a younger generation to the high school’s athletic teams. “We want to show the kids in our community our beautiful gym, stadium and all of our state-of-the-art facilities in addition to our great coaching staff and our culture of supporting and genuinely wanting the best for one another,” she said.
Gorski emphasized, “Our goal is for local kids to want to wear orange and blue.”
Gorski lives in Hasbrouck Heights with her husband, Todd, and their two children, Greyson and Grant. She is deeply grateful for their unwavering support as she embraces her new role at Lodi High School. She also appreciates the collaborative efforts of her Lodi colleagues and mentors, which allow her to balance her responsibilities as a mother, wife and leader within the school.
Marissa Baldino | Columbus
“Marissa Baldino is a selfless educator who goes out of her way for the students of Columbus School. A physical education teacher at TJMS, Ms. Baldino came down to the elementary schools and created a fun, energetic experience for the students. She volunteers for any task, chaperoning field trips, helping out with special activity days, etc. She looks to reach all of the Lodi students as she still works with TJMS students in the LEAP afterschool program and is a LHS track coach.”
Robert Cannizzaro, Principal
Jennifer DiGuilio | Hilltop
“Mrs. DiGuilio has been an integral part of Hilltop School success. She is one of the original stakeholders in the planning of our Study Island program, which was highlighted by the state of New Jersey. Mrs. DiGuilio also serves as our Gifted and Talented teacher. She is a dedicated staff member who always holds her students' best interest as a primary consideration.”
Glenn Focarino, Principal
Jackie Herzog | Washington
“Ms. Herzog is a veteran educator who is currently teaching in Grade 2 at Washington Elementary. She is a consummate professional whose ‘team first’ mentality and congenial personality make her a delight to work with. Ms. Herzog is known for her optimistic outlook, and her ability to put a positive spin on pretty much any circumstance — qualities that serve well to inspire both her students and her colleagues to meet their highest levels of achievement.”
Kevin Dowson, Principal
Mallory Noordeloos | Lodi High School
“Ms. Noordeloos...actively engages her students and works countless hours creating lessons and activities that allow her students to work cooperatively. She has a great rapport with her students and creates a safe and fun learning environment that improves student success and engagement. Ms. Noordeloos contributes to our school helping with Saturday instruction. She worked many hours with our Title I program this year. She is our head soccer coach and runs programs for our student athletes, which highlight personal achievement and mindset growth.”
Michael Attanasio, Principal
Chelsea Romeo | Wilson
“Having had the privilege of working closely with Mrs. Romeo for 13 years, I can attest to her exceptional dedication, passion and effectiveness as an educator. She embodies the qualities of an exemplary teacher in every aspect of her work. She demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our Wilson School students, going above and beyond to ensure that each individual receives the support and guidance needed to thrive academically and personally.”
Dr. Christie Vanderhook, Principal
Jenna Russo | Roosevelt
“Miss Russo is a nurturing, creative and caring PreK teacher. She plans engaging lessons and exciting end-of-unit presentations such as the PreK Makerspace, Fashion Show and Butterfly Release. Her classroom is an exciting place for learning and her students are always eager to welcome all of the visitors who come to the class. Our school is lucky to have Miss Russo.”
Jack Lipari, Principal
Robert Terhune | Thomas Jefferson Middle School
“Mr. Terhune has been a valuable asset to our TJMS school community for over two decades. He was not only a wonderful educator and coach, but a compassionate and genuine human being. He has made a significant impact on both his students' and athletes' lives as well as his colleagues.”
Michael Cardone, Principal
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"
Martin Luther King Jr.
Each year, the New Jersey Department of Education invites school districts to participate in the Exemplary Educator Recognition Program. The goal of this program is to identify outstanding educators for special recognition.
Exemplary Educators exhibit strong knowledge and skills, an inspiring presence and a positive impact on students, colleagues and the school community. Lodi is proud of its honorees.
Michael Haber, seventh grade social studies teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School (TJMS), was recognized last academic year for his dedication to students.
“Mr. Haber is a phenomenal educator,” said Michael Cardone, TJMS principal. “He is energetic and takes things a step further to grow his classes.”
Cardone also noted that students are excited to be in his class and often refer to him as their “favorite teacher.”
“He is genuine, and he cares – the students can see that,” added Cardone.
Maryrose Basile, US I honors and world history teacher at Lodi High School, was also recognized by the state in 2023 for her strong commitment to Lodi and its students.
“Her skills are remarkable,” said Michael Clifford, social studies and business supervisor. “How she gets students to work together in groups and collaborate is impressive.”
Clifford noted that Basile often hosts town halls and debate-style classes to help boost student engagement and interest.
“The students love her. It is truly a blessing to have her in our schools,” said Clifford.
Dana Breitwieser, second grade teacher at Washington, was recently recognized in 2024.
“As her building principal, colleague and friend, I am extremely proud of Mrs. Breitwieser's extraordinary accomplishment; however, I cannot say that I am surprised that her resume stood up to the rigorous selection process,” said Principal Kevin Dowson. “Mrs. Breitwieser always models the tenets of a highcaliber educator, and without exception.”
“She is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave and consistently models behaviors that inspire and motivate both her colleagues and her students to achieve their full potential,” he added.
Linda Tucci, third grade language arts teacher at Wilson, was also recently recognized in 2024. Wilson Principal Dr. Christie Vanderhook said she was thrilled to learn about Tucci’s selection for this award.
“This is an incredible honor bestowed upon just 150 educators across the state,” she said. “Being nominated for this prestigious recognition is remarkable, but being selected is truly extraordinary.”
“She continually goes above and beyond to inspire excellence in her classroom, and we are so proud to have her as part of our school community,” added Vanderhook.
PRE-K EXPANDING FOR LODI FAMILIES
Lodi Public Schools will use recently awarded Pre-K Expansion Aid to add two full-day, 4-year-old classrooms in the district (Washington School and Hilltop School) this year. The aid will also support partnerships with local providers to expand access to preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in Lodi over the next five years. Additionally, it will support a preschool inclusion class in one Lodi elementary school this year to better support the developmental needs of special education students in the district. This program will be offered via lottery to start, with the goal to be able to service all eligible students within five years.
STEM LAB COMING TO TJMS
A new STEM Lab is on its way to Thomas Jefferson Middle School, which will provide middle school students with the exposure to instruction in engineering, design and bio-medical concepts as a precursor to the engineering and bio-medical exercise science programs at the high school. This lab will boost STEM activities throughout the middle school and allow students to access more hands-on learning that will match 21st century learning. This lab should be complete early next school year.
PLANS IN THE WORKS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM RENOVATIONS
The district is planning major renovations to the high school auditorium and its entrance, which will give high school students a better performance space for concerts, theater performances and special events.
Lodi High School Principal Michael Attanasio said he is very excited about the project, which Superintendent Frank D’Amico initiated plans for before Attanasio started. “We are basically redoing the entire auditorium, from the entrance area to new seating and paneling,” he said. “We are also planning to redo the stage, the lights, the curtains and the sound system.”
The renovations will be scheduled for later in 2025.
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