School District Welcomes New Teachers and Staff Members

Sixteen new teachers and staff members were officially welcomed into the district Wednesday with an orientation consisting of a tour of the town and a luncheon attended by many district members including school principals, fellow teachers and board of education members.

Some of the new members are joining the teaching staff in the areas of biology and physical education while some are school psychologists and social workers.

All four school principals were in attendance and many board of education members includingboard President Josephine Ciocia who reminded the new staff that they “may be the one stable person in a child’s life,” and to remember that they serve as role models for their students. Dr. Mark Porto, superintendent of schools, echoed that feeling adding that the teachers are already part of this community.

Several of the teachers come to Heights from other districts and some are at the start of their careers. Some are brand new to the borough and some are residents themselves like Brady Trexler who will teach anatomy and physiology, as well as AP Biology at the high school.

Vincent Marchese who will teach physical education and health at the high school is also from Hasbrouck Heights. He has familiar with the district as he has been coaching several sports at the high school for the past several years and will continue coaching this year as well.

Also from the borough is Mike Cebula, who will teach phys ed at Lincoln School and like Marchese has also been coaching high school sports.

Lisa Colaneri, who is originally from Heights, is new to Euclid School this year and will be teaching Kindergarten. Corrie Kemple and Pat Gabriele will teach high school Biology. Katie Kelliher is a new social worker for the district and Elisa Spiletycz is the district’s school psychologist.

Jackie Ferranti joins the district as a physical education and driver’s ed teacher for the high school and grammar schools while Karl Freund will teach physical education at the high school and middle school.

The new teachers also heard from two school students, one entering ninth grade and another who is entering her senior year, who spoke about how they really enjoy interacting with their teachers and they have good relationships with them. It’s an environment that makes them want to be in the classroom, the girls said.