'We Poke Fun at Everybody'

Live from Hopatcong, it's Faculty Night Live!

Quit rubbing your eyes. You read that right.

will host the fourth annual Faculty Night Live on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the auditorium. Here are 5 Things You Need to Know about the show.

1. You Need to Know Why You're Going: Because Mike Batche said it's going to be hilarious. "We poke fun at everybody," the chemistry teacher said. "And that's the biggest point. This whole effort is just to make fun of ourselves. Jokes that the kids know about teachers—we poke fun at ourselves and I think that's what's really made it a hit over the years."
2. You Need to Know Another Reason Why You're Going: Proceeds will go toward the freshman and senior classes. Advance tickets can be bought at the main office for $7. Tickets will cost $10 at the door.
3. You Need to Know Who's Behind This Shindig: Three years ago, teacher Kathy LaRosa pitched the idea of a talent show for teachers. But it evolved into a variety show. And though it nearly sold out the almost 700-seat auditorium last year, its first show "was kind of small potatoes," Batche said. "We kind of put a band together and I wrote a couple of the skits. And the next day, it was the buzz of the school." Now art teacher George Segale is the producer, LaRosa's the executive producer and English teacher Sandy DeRose heads the writing team.
4. You Need to Know What to Expect: While Batche wouldn't spill all the goods, he said to expect science teacher Jim McDonald to host, a faculty band, a news update skit, audience participation, refreshments and more. "It's something people shouldn't want to miss," he said. "One of the highlights of the year. A lot of people have tried to talk us into doing two nights. I like the excitement of having one night. One night, live—it's all or nothing."
5. You Need to Know the Last Reason You're Going: "It's an act of love for all of us," Batche said. "Not only are we all hams and we love getting in front of the kids, but it makes a lot of money … and it really does promote a lot of camaraderie between the teachers."