North Hunterdon High School
Annandale, NJ
| | 2025 November E-Newsletter | |
Upcoming Events
The following is a list of important upcoming events:
- November 3: End of 1st Marking Period
- November 4: Start of 2nd Marking Period
- November 6-7: School Closed, NJEA Convention
- November 14: Friendship Day
- November 19: Early Dismissal for Students, 11:55, Staff in Service Day
- November 19: NHS Inductions, 6-9, Theater, invitations were mailed
- November 20: World Language Honor Society Inductions, 6:30, Theater
- November 25: Blood Drive, 7-3:30, Main Gym
- November 26: Early Dismissal, Thanksgiving Recess
- November 27-28: School Closes, Thanksgiving Recess
- November 26-30: No Homework, No Pressure Days
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Student Highlights
Leading the Pride!
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October Students of the Month
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AUDREY MINSAVAGE
CLASS OF 2026
Senior Audrey Minsavage says her experience at North Hunterdon has taught her how to persevere and always work hard, which she believes will lead to her success in the future. Audrey’s favorite classes at North have been AP Chemistry with Mrs. Plaxe and AP Physics with Mr. Quinn. She liked these classes because of the way both teachers taught their class, the challenge of learning the new material, and getting hands-on experience in the labs. Audrey has been captain of the volleyball team for the past two years. Last year, she was on JV and this year she is on the varsity team. While on the team, she helps out with planning and volunteering at events such as coaching summer camps, clinics, working the middle school tournament, and Spike for a Cure. Audrey is a member of National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, English Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She is Vice President of Math Honor Society and an officer in Science Honor Society. Outside of North, Audrey volunteers in the community at Union Township events and works at the Frenchtown Cafe as a hostess and busser, Just Chill, and Pino’s Pizza. She played club volleyball her freshman, sophomore, and junior year. Audrey’s favorite memories from North are the NHVB summer camps that she participated in each year. She was able to plan drills and games to play and coach the middle school girls. The best parts were getting to pick a theme, making friends with all the girls, and having fun while also helping them improve their volleyball skills. The counselors wore costumes for their team of campers and planned a dance to a song that had to do with the team theme. Audrey got to coach her team of campers in a volleyball tournament against the other teams of campers. The entire camp is a really fun week of hanging out with her friends on the high school team and also the girls that she is coaching. It is amazing to see the campers who come back every year and remember her as a coach. She gets to see their improvement, as well as watch their skills improve throughout the week and during the tournament at the end. Next year, Audrey hopes to attend the Florida Institute of Technology to double major in Aerospace Engineering and Astrophysics.
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EVAN PLAXE
CLASS OF 2026
Senior Evan Plaxe is involved in many extra-curricular activities at North Hunterdon High School. Evan is a member of National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and is an officer in Science Honor Society. He also plays guitar in Jazz Ensemble. Evan’s favorite classes at North Hunterdon have been AP Physics 1 and AP Chemistry. These classes are his favorites because of the interesting concepts and fun labs that were completed. Despite being difficult subjects, each class was exciting and taught in a way that made sense, preparing everyone extremely well for the AP Exams in the spring. With college coming soon, Evan has no doubt he will be prepared for the intense coursework that comes with a major in chemical engineering. Outside of North, Evan is involved in kickboxing, guitar lessons, and working at Finnagels as a food runner and busser. Some of Evan’s favorite North Hunterdon memories are going to McDonalds with friends or teammates before volleyball games, before Jazz Rehearsals, or after football games, as a fun way to hangout in between extracurriculars. He says his experience at North was a time of personal growth, as he developed his passions and learned important skills for the future, with the help of the great teachers and friends that he met in school. Next year, Evan is unsure where he will attend college, but his top three choices are Northeastern, NC State, and Pitt. He plans to major in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Guitar Performance.
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October Athletes of the Month
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CAMILLE CHAMBERS
CLASS OF 2026
Senior Camille Chambers has played soccer since she was four years old. Camille’s strongest skills are her speed and soccer IQ. She is a very fast player and with her unwavering determination, can get to almost any through ball. Camille primarily plays forward but can easily sub into center/outer midfield and outer back positions. Her greatest accomplishment this year was being picked as one of the two team captains of the girl's varsity soccer team. Camille has a burning passion inside of her that implores her to want to try her hardest every game and to never give up. On and off the field, she is always looking out for the team's best interests. Camille will pick them up when they are down and celebrate their wins. Camille is a member of Interact Club and is a student leader in Unified Social Club. Additionally, she is part of the Special Olympics as a team leader. Outside of North, Camille plays club soccer with HEX FC Dominion ECRL 07/08 Girls soccer team and the U.S. Virgin Islands Women's national team. Her most recent call up for the Virgin Islands’ national team was in U17 for the Concacaf Qualifiers where she was the team captain. It was an amazing experience and she can't wait to be playing for them again. Camille will be playing college soccer for Cedar Crest College in Allentown Pennsylvania. Next year she intends to concentrate in a 4+2 Pre-Physician Assistant curriculum between Cedar Crest College and Sulis University in pursuit of a Physician Assistant degree. Camilee says her time at North has been full of its ups and downs like any high school. But she believes it is those moments that have made her experience worthwhile. North Hunterdon is a place where opportunity is bountiful, the support is unconditional, and the memories are valuable.
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MARGARET DONLON
CLASS OF 2026
Senior Margaret Donlon has played field hockey since she was nine years old. Margaret plays defense for the Lady Lions. Some of her strongest skills are motivating the team, communicating with them, and being patient on defense. Margaret is the epitome of a standout student athlete. She has a calm, patient, and positive presence on the field that lifts her teammates around her. Margaret is an athlete you want around you and your team because her energy and work rate are contagious. Margaret is the secretary for National Honor Society and is a member of the Red Cross Club. She plays for Omega Field Hockey Club and has a twin brother. Margaret is thinking about playing club field hockey in college. She plans to attend a 4-year university on the premed track where she would like to pursue a major in biological sciences. Margaret says her experience at North Hunterdon is one of competition and community where she has made amazing, lifelong friends.
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October Department Students
of the Month
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English: Nathaniel Manguiat '28 and Allison Kiefer '28
Fine Arts: Gracie Clark '29 and Megan Olivo '29
Mathematics: Angie Rosas '28 and Camryn Gray '28
Music: Aleksandra Krutovsky '26 and Eli Coss '28
PE/Health: Ashley Olsen '27 andBeverly Veliz Alvarado '28
Practical Arts: Abigail Jenkin '28 and Natalia Alarcon '28
Science: Matthew Ferreira '26 and Katherine O'Sullivan '26
Social Studies: Maxwell Sklar '26 and Pranay Bulusu '26
World Language: Elizabeth Miller '28 and Rhys Decktor '26
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October Good Citizens
of the Month
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English: Riley Fellin '28 and Travis Bockowski '28
Fine Arts: Ava Van Inwegen '28 and Julia Flynn '27
Mathematics: Katherine Sampson '27 and Carly MacIsaac '28
Music: Fiorella Vargas '27 and Chase Skinner '27
PE/Health: Francesca Rizzo '28 and Natalie Coppeto '26
Practical Arts: Abigail Jenkin '28 and Tess Nugent '28
Science: Izabela Caballero '26 and Aidan Walraven '26
Social Studies: Emily Scott '26 and Anya Page '26
World Language: Jaslene Gonzalez '27 and Brandon Cleary '28
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NHHS News and Updates
from Lion Pride
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Top October Posts from Dr. Cottrell @nhprincipal
| | Congratulations to Audrey Minsavage and Evan Plaxe for being named Students of the Month and Camille Chambers and Margaret Donlon for being named Athletes of the Month. #LionPride | | Spirit week is in full force at NHHS as we get ready for the 50th annual Milk Can Game tomorrow night at VHS. #LionPride | | |
Health Office News
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Did you know that:
- 1 in 10 people will have a seizure and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.
- 3.4 million people are living with epilepsy in the United States; 470,000 of them are children.
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect anyone regardless of race, age, or gender.
- Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Not all seizures are the same. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure.
To learn more please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/volunteer/spreading-awarness/national-epilepsy-awareness-month
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Blood Drive
North Hunterdon High School is proud to announce that we are hosting a blood drive on November 25, 2025.
Each year, our teachers, students, parents/guardians, and community members have come forward to help others through blood donations.
The blood drive will be held in North Hunterdon High School’s Main Gym on Tuesday, November 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Please click HERE to sign up to DONATE!
We hope our community’s generosity will continue.
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Class of 2026 Cap & Gowns
Attention SENIORS!
Please visit the link to order a cap and gown. Graduation Cap and Gown Order Form
If you do not order your cap and gown by Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, you will have to purchase it during graduation practice in June for $50!
If you had a sibling or a friend who graduated from North Hunterdon, you can reuse a North Hunterdon cap and/or gown, but please make sure to order a 2026 Tassel through the website above.
If you have any questions about the graduation ceremony, you can send them to Anthony Petraglia, Director of Student Activities, apetraglia@nhvweb.net.
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Winter Sports 2025-2026 Start Dates and Important Information
Registration opened on Thursday, October 16th, in Aspen
For information on the necessary paperwork/online registration, click here to view our NHHS Annual Health Forms and Winter Sports Registration Information.
Please be reminded that an up-to-date IMPACT test is also required to be eligible for participation (IMPACT is valid for 2 years from the date taken. This mostly affects incoming Freshmen and Juniors)! This test will be proctored VIRTUALLY AND THE LINK TO TAKE THIS TEST IS INCLUDED IN THE BOTTOM OF THIS DOCUMENT. Athletes who need an updated Impact Test must complete at least 3 days before their first day of practice to ensure eligibility.
PLEASE NOTE: FAMILY VACATIONS SHOULD NOT BE PLANNED FOR AFTER NOVEMBER 25TH. MISSING PRACTICE AND TRYOUTS WILL JEOPARDIZE YOUR CHILD’S CHANCES OF MAKING A TEAM. THERE WILL BE NO TRY-OUT DATES AFTER THE INITIAL TRYOUT DATES.
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Before registering, please be sure to review our Athletic Handbook to understand some general rules and expectations for all athletes, coaches, parents, and spectators.
- If you have questions regarding the registration or tryout process, please feel free to address those questions directly to the head coach. Please email the coach to make an appointment outside of practice or game time. If a parent or student has a concern, it is important to follow the chain of command with the Coach, Head Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal and Principal, respectively.
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Athletic Forms are in Aspen. Any questions on forms, please refer to our website: https://www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/athletics/ask-the-medicalstaff/
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Yearbook Flash Sale!!
You can now pre-order the 2026 North Hunterdon yearbook! Right now there is a flash sale with the price only $75 until November 9th. The price will increase after that date, so pre-order soon.
Visit: HERE to pre-order.
Pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee that your student will have a yearbook in June.
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Student Accolades & Accomplishments
Hear us ROAR!
| | Thank you Community Partners! | | |
Thank You to Our Community Partners!
We are grateful to our local businesses for welcoming our Career Development students and providing them with real-world job experiences. Your support helps our special education students build confidence, gain valuable skills, and prepare for future employment. Thank you for making a difference in their journey!
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2025 Homecoming Court!
(Back Row l-r): Daniel Madeiros, Maura Green, Faith Hawkins, Jianna Marina, Emily Scott, Mia Cutarelli, Nicholas Ramaci
(Front Row l-r): Max Sklar, Nicholas Tangreti, Sam Gazzillo
| | Congratulations to our 2025 Homecoming King and Queen, Nick Ramaci and Jianna Marina! | | On October 10, the Ceramics Club volunteered at the Empty Bowl Project, benefiting the Flemington Food Pantry. Before the event, students in ceramics levels 3 and 4 made bowls for donation. Each student wheel-threw or hand-built three separate bowls. To learn more about this event, please visit: https://flemingtonfoodpantry.org/empty-bowl/ | | Congratulations to the North Hunterdon Theater Organization, who put on an outstanding performance of 67 Cinderellas on October 18 and 19th! It was a magical night for all ages! | | | | |
North Hunterdon High School Sophomores,
Norah Reeder and Dean Alvarez were recognized at the October 28th Board of Education meeting for for their quick thinking and compassion when they helped a student who experienced a medical issue after getting off the bus one morning. They stayed with the student until staff arrived to assist. Their compassion and quick response remind us what it means to be part of a supportive school community.
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The North Hunterdon High School Senior “White Powder Puffers” beat the Junior “Green Powder Puffers” with a decisive 38-6 final score to claim the 2025 Powder Puff Football Championship on October 22, 2025, on Singley Field.
| | NHHS Annual Staff Pumpkin Painting Contest! | | On Tuesday, October 21, NHHS Staff had its annual pumpkin painting contest to celebrate Spirit Week. Students voted for the pumpkins, and the winner was announced at the Pep Rally on October 24! | | Spirit Week Hallway Decorating Contest! | | Spirit Week was in full effect at NHHS with hallway decorations! On the night of Thursday, October 22nd, students decorated the hallways to show their Lion Spirit! | | |
Seniors 2026 - 50th Anniversary - Green
| Sophomores 2028 - Lion Pride - White | | Juniors 2027 - GOT MILK - Gold | Freshman 2029 - Welcome to the Jungle - Pink | | Key Club Thanksgiving Food Drive! | | Please support the Key Club's Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive by bringing in non-perishable items such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, pasta, sauces, rice, stuffing, gravy, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, and more. These items go directly to our North Hunterdon School District families. Drop boxes are located throughout the school. Thank you for your support! | | Students in Ms. Kiehl's Interior Design class created scaled sketches, designed open house flyers and pamphlets, wrote essays, and built 3D home models. Very creative! | | |
Please enjoy some of the black-and-white prints created in Mrs. Lentine's classes.
“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant; there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing." Georgia O'Keeffe
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School Organization News
Members of the Pride
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Get Involved
Please visit the links below to learn more about our parent organizations and how you can join.
Join our Pride!
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Join us and get involved with the PTSA for the 2025-2026 school year!
We will be meeting on the first Tuesday of each month from 7-8 pm in the conference room
adjacent to the Athletics Office (near the Route 31 entrance doors).
Our next meeting will be on November 4th from 7-8pm - please join us!
Our homecoming event this year was an incredible success! Thank you to everyone who participated in the Food truck event, 50/50 raffle, and coin toss. This year’s homecoming brought our community together for fun, games, and unforgettable memories. Thank you to everyone who made it possible! We can’t wait to see the excitement continue next year!
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Pictured is John Peck and his winning 50/50 raffle ticket. John took home a prize of $504.00!
Get Your 2025–2026 Lions Discount Card!
The Lions Discount Card is still available for your family! Your $20 donation helps support events for our students and staff throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
Grad Night at Funplex – Mount Laurel
The PTSA is busy planning an unforgettable Grad Night for our graduates! Students will enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions, including music, games, rides, food, and refreshments. You can help make this event extra special by contributing—monetary donations and raffle prize donations are welcome. For questions or more details, please contact Lynne French at lynnefrench@gmail.com
THANK YOU for your partnership and support!
Your PTSA Officers and Committee Chairs:
Kimberly Rogan, Erin Roop, Melissa Stowers, Liddy Arnold
Lynne French, Tricia King, Vanessa O’Keefe, Erin Palma
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Pictured from left Erin Palma, Kim Rogan, Melissa Stowers, Vanessa O’Keefe, Liddy Arnold, Erin Roop, and Sue Sabol
Email: northhunterdonptsa@gmail.com
Website: https://www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/ptsa/
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NHEF Mission
North Hunterdon Education Foundation (NHEF) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of education at North Hunterdon High School. We work together to fundraise and support grants researched and requested by NHHS staff that provide unique opportunities and experiences for North students. The NHEF's mission is to enhance education by funding innovative programs and experiences for all students.
Grants In Action
North Hunterdon Education Foundation is proud to support North Hunterdon High School Driver’s Education students with a grant for a new, state-of-the-art Driving Simulator.
This significant contribution provided half the cost of the Simulator, enabling students to gain invaluable driving experience is a controlled, risk-free setting and local setting. Pictured in the photo are Ms. Thorsen and Michael Riccardo.
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Business Donor Form
Do you own a business or work for a business that supports non-profits? Consider Us!
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2025 Fundraising Campaign
The NHEF raises money to directly invest in our North students. We have supported over $240,000 in grants written by the NHHS teachers and staff!! Please see our Family Pledge Donation Form! (All donations are tax-deductible.)
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As we enter into November, the NHMA is feeling THANKFUL and GRATEFUL
We are so proud of our amazing music and their accomplishments. We are also
grateful to our Music Department teachers for the opportunities they continue to provide
to our school and students.
Last but not least, our sincerest gratitude to our parent volunteers and supporters that
help us perpetuate our goals for our music students, department, and their ensembles
and programs
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The Golden Lions will make their final 2025 appearance marching down the streets of Clinton in the Christmas Day Parade on December 5tth 7 PM – 9 PM
| | The Golden Lions made their appearance at The 50th Milk Can Game and for some their last high school football game! The Golden Lions maintained the hype! | | | | | | |
Upcoming Music Events
Nov 3rd – Show Choir performance Independence Manor 11:45am
Nov 6th-8th – All State Choir performance Atlantic City
Nov 17th & 18th – Future Lions Event for choir and band
Nov 21st – Show Choir performance Annandale Rotary @ Mountain View Chalet 12:15 pm
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We hope you can join us at our Free Winter Concerts
Winter Concerts I, Dec 4th 7 pm ensembles are: Freshman Choir, String Orchestra, Show Choir, Jazz Ensemble
Winter Concert I, Dec 11th 7 pm ensembles are: Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Madrigals, Concert Band
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Winter Musical is SHREK The Musical
February 27th – March 1st Tickets go on sale on January 16th NHTO.Booktix.com
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The Music Association is hosting an online fundraiser to support all students in the theatre and music departments at North Hunterdon High School. | |
Click on the Link To Order http://northmusic.fpfundraising.com
Order by Dec. 1st in time for the holidays. Last day to order is Dec. 15th.
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Click on the link to sign up for the NHMA Membership Form
Seniors and underclassman need a membership to eligible for scholarships.
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Next NHMA Meeting Tuesday, November 11th, 7:00 PM in the band room #124. Please join us.
Future meeting dates are: February 10th 2026, April 14th and June 2nd
Contact us at nhmusicassociation@gmail.com with any questions.
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Main Booster Club
During the month of October, the Booster Club proudly recognized our dedicated Officials and Custodial Staff for their invaluable service and commitment to our athletic programs. October 2 marked Custodial Staff Appreciation Day, and the week of October 6 was designated as Officials Appreciation Week. In recognition of their hard work, each staff member received a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card as a token of our appreciation. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our Officials and Custodial Staff for their dedication, professionalism, and continued support in ensuring the success of our sports programs.
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Boys Cross Country
October brought some great performances by our Boys Cross Country team across all levels! 2nd place for Varsity at Shore Coaches, 2nd overall/1st Raritan Division at Skylands Conference and 1st place at Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex. Sophomore Matt Hillmann took home the silver plate as the HWS champion with a superb time of 16:46 at the infamous Phillipsburg course! JV and Freshman teams also placed first at HWS, securing impressive 1-2 finishes in both races. November is the start of the State Championships and this team has been training hard to get ready to drop their best race times of the season. LET’S GO LIONS!!
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Football
That's a wrap for the 2025 Football season. We had Senior Night at our last home game. We finished up the season with a traditional pasta dinner the night before our last game, with the cheer appreciation dinner.
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Gymnastics
North Hunterdon Voorhees Gymnastics congratulates Truth Aponte for her second year in a row as Skylands Conference Vault Champion! Pictured in collage above, starting left & clockwise: Truth Aponte ‘27 holding her Vault Champion Medal; Truth Aponte atop podium saluting from the First Place spot; your District NHV Gymnastics Team 2025; Hillsborough & Central Gymnasts attending 10/1/25 meet to support their friend & fellow Gymnast Olivia French, during her Senior Night, hosted at Central HS; + NHV Gymnasts presenting their Senior Varsity Captain Olivia French ‘26 with bouquets & gifts during coaches’ speeches. Thank you, Central Sports, for your hospitality, kindness, sportsmanship, & your support of high school gymnastics during our season.
| | Girls Cross Country has had an exciting month! 3 time Olympian and World Champion Jenny Simpson came to North to speak to the girls and boys cross country teams, culminating in a run with the girls! An experience these athletes will never forget! The girls competed at Skylands where they took first place in both Varsity and JV races! Championship season is upon us, and November will be a busy month of sectionals, groups, and hopefully MOCs! | | The Boys Soccer team capped off their Senior Game with an exciting victory over Franklin High School. This special day recognized the hard work, leadership, and commitment of our senior players who have dedicated the past four years to the North Soccer Program. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished—both on and off the field—and wish you continued success in your future endeavors. Congratulations, seniors! Standing: Ryan Heinbach, Billy Jentsch (Captain), Michael Piotrowski, Liam Kane Front: Griffin Costine, Aidan Reisner (Captain), Nick Menabdishvili | | Board of Education Updates | | |
Each month, we will include key topics discussed or approved at the most recent Board of Education meeting. Meetings are livestreamed and you can find the link on the district website prior to each meeting date. Please click here to view agendas, recordings and minutes.
The Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 7:00pm in the district office. The following topics were approved or discussed at the meeting:
- The BOE approved Board Goals.
- The BOE approved standard action items regarding finance and policies.
- The NHV BOE welcomed new BOE member, Andrea Stein, filling the Califon Borough and Tewksbury Township vacancy.
The next meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the district administration office.
For more information on Board meetings and agendas, please visit the district website at www.nhvweb.net and click on the District & BOE Services menu tab.
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