North Hunterdon High School
Annandale, NJ
| | 2025 October E-Newsletter | |
Upcoming Events
The following is a list of important upcoming events:
- October 1 & 2: No Homework, No Pressure Days
- October 2: School Closed, Yom Kippur
- October 9: Picture Day Retakes
- October 10: Homecoming Football Game, 7 pm, Singley Field
- October 11: Homecoming Dance, 6-9 pm, Main Gym
- October 13: School Closed, Staff In-Service Day
- October 17: Senior Night Football Game, 7 pm, Singley Field
- October 18-19: NHTO Play - 67 Cinderellas, Theater
- October 22: Powder Puff Football Game, 5:30, Singley Field
- October 23: PAC Meeting, 9 am, District Office
- October 24: Milk Can Game, AWAY, Voorhees HS, 7 pm
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Student Highlights
Leading the Pride!
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September Students of the Month
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ERIC BESWICK
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Eric Beswick says North Hunterdon High School provided him with the resources to have a fun academic and social high school experience. Eric’s favorite classes at North have been the STEM related classes. The classes range from AP Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science Applications, and Pre-Calculus. Eric loves working with numbers and transferring them to real-world applications. His favorite class so far this year is Calculus BC with Mr. Halldorson. Eric participates in Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field. He is part of the National Honor Society, as well as North Hunterdon's Science, Math, and Social Studies Honor Societies. Eric also participates in the Ski & Snowboard Club during the winter. Outside of school, he is a member of Boy Scouts of America. Scouts is where he was able to take on various leadership roles, including Quartermaster, Patrol leader, and Scribe. Eric just completed his Eagle Scout Project, where he constructed three bike racks and placed them at Round Valley Recreation Area. He also worked at Round Valley over the summer as a lifeguard and does landscaping/yard work for his neighbors throughout the year. Eric’s favorite memories at North include taking long runs and completing workouts during the Cross Country season, going to Blue Mountain with the Ski & Snowboard Club, going to Boston to compete in the New Balance Nationals, and getting Kona Ice after school. He is currently applying to colleges for Electrical Engineering.
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PRANAY BULUSU
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Pranay Bulusu says North Hunterdon High School offered a safe and encouraging environment which made these past few years a great experience. The teachers and students he encountered were enthusiastic and eager to help whenever it was needed. Pranay’s favorite class at North Hunterdon was AP Computer Science Principles with Mrs. Vida. The class was a fun and straightforward way to learn the fundamentals of coding using block code. Pranay’s favorite class this year is AP Government with Mr. Franzyshen. In class, he enjoys hearing and participating in dialogue and conversations about the government. Pranay is a member of the JV Cross Country and Track team. He is also involved in the History Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Science Honor Society. Outside of school, Pranay uses his extra time volunteering. He helps coach kids with running at the Hunterdon Lions Youth Track Club, helps out at a food pantry, and the Red Mill Museum. The Red Mill Museum required him to do weeding and data entry for artifacts into the museum’s database. One of Pranay’s favorite North Hunterdon memories was the twilight meet during his sophomore year. A twilight meet is a meet that starts at sunset and continues into the night, which made for one of the most unique experiences he has had at North. What made the meet even more fun, was having Kona Ice and music blasting throughout the event. At the time of that race, he ran a personal record for the 1600. Next year, Pranay wants to major in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. The main schools he is looking at are Rutgers, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, and NJIT.
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September Athletes of the Month
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OLIVIA FRENCH
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Olivia French has been a gymnast her entire life. Olivia has competed for a club team for the past seven years. This year is her fourth year on the varsity high school team. Olivia is team Captain and is the only senior on the team. Olivia’s strongest events in gymnastics are beam and floor. She competes All-Around, which is when you compete in all four events: vault, bars, beam, and floor. Coming up soon, the team has their Senior Night at Hunterdon Central on October 1st and the Skylands Championship at Hunterdon Central on October 10th. Last year the team placed second at the Skylands Championship. They also earned the best team score in the history of the gymnastics program at North. Olivia is also involved in Photography Club, Booster Club, and the PTSA. Next year, Olivia does not plan on continuing with gymnastics in college. She is undecided on where she is going to school, but is interested in majoring in Animal Science. Olivia says her experience at North Hunterdon High School has been a journey of growth as a student and athlete. She has learned a lot about herself and her interests, as well as becoming more confident and a leader.
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NICHOLAS RAMACI
CLASS OF 2026
Senior, Nicholas Ramaci is known for both his athletic talent and academic excellence. Nicholas is the starting quarterback and team Captain for North Hunterdon for the second year in a row. His strongest skill on the field is his football intelligence. Nicholas has a deep understanding of the game and knows how to read and react to different play calls. He attributes this intelligence to having played football since he was five years old. One of Nicholas’s great attributes is his speed. By joining the North Track Team, he has helped increase his overall speed and agility. Nicholas also knows how to anticipate the routes of his receivers and can throw to a spot accurately, anywhere on the field, before his receiver gets there. He attributes that skill to playing with the same teammates for nine years. Since the players have played such a long time together, they know each other well and have great chemistry. Most of all, Nicholas prides himself on his great leadership qualities and his ability to inspire his teammates. He tries to remain positive in all situations and has an excellent worth ethic. Nicholas believes strongly in leading by example. If he needs his teammates to try hard and focus, he must do the same to expect it out of them. Outside of football, Nicholas is in the National Honor Society. He loves being active and hanging out with friends. When it's nice out, Nicholas loves to play basketball, pickleball, and golf with his friends. Next year, he aspires to play football in college. Nicholas plans to apply to Lehigh University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, University of Tampa, to name a few, and plans to major in Finance. He says his time at North was some of the most enjoyable times he has ever had. Nicholas loves the people around him and will forever remember all the laughs and memories he has made at this amazing school.
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September Department Students
of the Month
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English: Zhaleh Patel-Bose '29 and Sastha Senthil Kumar '29
Fine Arts: Ruby Morgans '26 and Olivia French '26
Mathematics: Mary Gaffney '28 and Daniel Snyder '29
Music: Jianna Marina '26 and Mia Hench '26
PE/Health: Holden Hoopes '26 and Riley Pipher '26
Practical Arts: Maxim Gjevukaj '28 and Brooklyn Kappus '26
Science: Aaden Hsu '27 and Katherine O'Sullivan '26
Social Studies: Joel Franco Romero '28 and Abigail Jenkin '28
World Language: Julia Mackenzie '26 and Pranitha Mula '27
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September Good Citizens
of the Month
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English: Michelle Ampofi '29 and Lester Castro Garrido '29
Fine Arts: Neptune Mahoney '27 and Leana Angeles '26
Mathematics: Ebosetale OmoLogbe '28 and Nathan Shaw '29
Music: Malorie Brown '26 and Maxwell Sklar '26
PE/Health: Jeramie LaCroix '26 and Cael Moser '29
Practical Arts: Nora Speckin '28 and Emma White '26
Science: Shea Swan '27 and Maryam Hassan '27
Social Studies: Naomi Osabu '28 and Brendan Coon '28
World Language: Ronal Ramirez Ramirez '28 and Nikhil Siddharth '28
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NHHS News and Updates
from Lion Pride
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Top September Posts from Dr. Cottrell @nhprincipal
| | A great end to the first week of school. We had a Senior Sunrise on the field, a #lionpride pep talk from Mrs. Stell, and the staff wore the new Lion Pride t-shirts that were provided by the NHHS_NHEF. | | Congratulations to Eric Beswick and Pranay Bulusu for being named Students of the Month and Olivia French and Nicholas Ramaci for being named Athletes of the Month. #LionPride | | |
Health Office News
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and according to statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS), nearly 232,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2015.
Breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men. The ACS also estimated that in 2015, more than 2,000 men would be diagnosed, and more than 400 men would die from the disease. Click here for more information on symptoms, prevention, treatment, and care.
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2025 Homecoming Dance
The 2025 Homecoming Dance, “Lights of Rio,” will take place on Saturday, October 11th, in the main gym. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will proceed until 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the dance are $25 per person. Tickets need to be purchased online through the school’s Booktix system at http://nhhsdance.booktix.com/. Ticket sales will open to students on September 17th and will remain open until the event date
Please click on the link below to read the full letter about the dance. If your student wishes to bring an out-of-school guest, the form is also included in the link below.
NHHS Homecoming Dance Letter 2025.docx.pdf
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Milk Can Game
Our 49th Annual Milk Can Game, North vs. Voorhees, will be held on Friday, October 24, 2024. This year, the game will be held at Voorhees! The kick-off time is set for 7:00 p.m.
Go North!!
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School Picture Retake/Makeup Day
Christmas City Studios will be at North Hunterdon High School on October 9th for 9th-11th grade school picture re-takes or make-ups.
Students who need photos should go to the theater during their health/PE class, lunch, or directed study.
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Additionally
Christmas City Studio will also be taking Senior Portraits on October 9th for any senior who has not gotten one done.
Senior portraits will be taken in formal attire, which you'll be given, but a sign-up is required. Here is the link: Book Now | Christmas City Studio
If you want a photo in a cap and gown, you will need to make an appointment to visit the Studio in Bethlehem, PA.
If you do not have a portrait taken, you will be missing from the senior class in the yearbook.
Please make every effort to have your photo taken on October 9th so the entire Class of 2026 is represented in this year’s yearbook.
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The Ski & Snowboard Club will go to Blue Mountain on 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, and 2/5, with make-up dates on 2/12 and 2/19. All required forms are due to Mrs. Jones or Mrs. Vida on October 10. All information and required forms are on the Google Classroom Club page.
Students can join the classroom using this code: iawl46e
Email April Jones (AJones@nhvweb.net) or Cheryl Vida (CVida@nhvweb.net) if you have any questions.
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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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North Hunterdon Theater Presents:
6767 Cinderellas!
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PWhat if Cinderella wasn’t the only one who fit the glass slipper? 67 Cinderellas is a witty, heartwarming, and hilarious story that flips the classic fairy-tale on its head. When the Prince launches a kingdom-wide search, he’s stunned to find 67 girls who fit the shoe perfectly! Packed with clever humor and a powerful message about identity and choice, this fresh take on the beloved story reminds us that true love can’t be manufactured and happily ever after might just need a rewrite.
Perfect for all ages, 67 Cinderellas is a magical night at the theater you won't want to miss!
To buy tickets, click HERE
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Student Accolades & Accomplishments
Hear us ROAR!
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2025-2026
Student Board Representatives
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Maxwell Sklar, a senior, will be the student board representative from North Hunterdon at the Board of Education meetings this year. Maura Green will be the alternate. The seniors were introduced at last night's Board meeting.
We look forward to their contributions on behalf of the student body at future Board meetings! Thank you for stepping up to serve!
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North Hunterdon High School is proud to announce that senior Joseph Koyfman has been named a Semifinalist in the 71st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Officials from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) recently released the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. These academically talented students now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for nearly 7,000 National Merit Scholarships, worth a combined total of almost $26 million, to be awarded in spring 2026.
To advance to Finalist status, Semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application highlighting their academic record, leadership, community involvement, and achievements. About 95% of Semifinalists are expected to become Finalists, with roughly half of those earning a National Merit Scholarship and the prestigious title of Merit Scholar®. Congratulations to Joseph on this outstanding academic honor!
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NHHS is very proud to announce that the following seniors have been recognized as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
This honor is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise through their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. Although Commended Students will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, being among the 34,000 top performers nationwide is a remarkable achievement and a true testament to their hard work and dedication.
Congratulations to these talented students on this well-deserved recognition!
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Please enjoy some of the beautiful artwork created by Mr. Calabrese's Drawing 3 students.
“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine." Ralph Waldo Emerson
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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 October 7th from 7-8 pm - please join us!
We look forward to seeing you at the Homecoming game on October 10th. The PTSA is hosting a food truck event fundraiser from 5-9 pm in the parking lot adjacent to the gym - come support the event and enjoy dinner and dessert at NHHS! See our flyer for more info.
(Food trucks: Tia B’s Tacos, Designer Dawgs, Kona Ice, and The Laughing Goat desserts and drinks)
There will also be a coin toss and a 50/50 raffle that evening - please consider participating! We need volunteers (students and parents) to help make these Homecoming game activities a success - please sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844ADA82BA20-58570340-homecoming
Thanks to all who stopped by our table at Back to School Night!
If you would like to join the PTSA, make a one-time donation, or purchase a Lions discount card, please use the QR code (below) or this link: https://nhhsptsa.givebacks.com/shop
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
Email: northhunterdonptsa@gmail.com
Website: https://www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/ptsa/
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Have a few hours a month to Volunteer?
The North Hunterdon Education Foundation (NHEF) is an all-volunteer, non-profit foundation 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. We are looking for new parent volunteers to join us in our efforts, especially in the following areas:Treasurer Support, Sponsorship Relationships, Communications, Grants, and Events. Please email a brief introduction and area of interest to: nhef@nhhsfoundation.org
Can’t Volunteer? Consider a Tax-deductible Donation -
NHHS Foundation.org
We Did That!
Supporting 2025 Lion Pride. The NHEF recently provided grant funding to kick off Lion Pride Friday’s. A few staff members showing off this years shirts! Have a great year!
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“ “ Music is like magic, there’s a certain feeling you get.” Marshall Bruce Mathers III (Eminem)
Who We Are:
We are a parent-run, non-profit organization.
Our Purpose:
To encourage, promote, and provide support to music students, faculty, and their programs.
As a non-profit organization, we provide this support with funds raised through various fundraisers held throughout the year, as well as sponsorships from local businesses.
How we do this:
Our families are our greatest support system, and our membership drive is one of our biggest fundraisers. We can provide our support and services to our students and programs thanks to the dedicated parent volunteers, like yourself, and your families, who help in so many ways.
Please consider becoming a member of this important group! Click on the link to access the Membership Form www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/musicassociationn
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Come Out and Celebrate Our Seniors October 17th at Half Time | |
Malorie Brown Mia Henck Maxwell Sklar
Elizabeth Brygier Yuktha Ponnam Aidan Walraven
Matthew Ferreira Samantha Shustack MyAsia Wilson
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Congratulations to our Golden Lions for 1st Place in their Division @ The Hunterdon Central US Bands Competition on Sept 20th
3rd Place in their division on Sept 27th at the Randolph NJMBDA Show
The Golden Lions will be marching in the NYC Columbus Day Parade this year and every year since 2001! Congratulations on being invited again this year.
Next Competition Dates are: Oct 18 NJMEA State Festival @ Wayne Hills HS and Oct 25th US Bands
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Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to participate in the Tenor/Bass Festival at Rowan University on Oct 15th
Michael Kotran Jeramie LaCroix
Dylan Devine Richard VanNatta
Brody Mathews Evan Angeles
Maxwell Sklar Luka Terranova
Colin McCabe Jordan Wolf
Alexander Annenko Dobrianski
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Early Spring Bulb Orders Due 10/15 –
All Proceeds Go To The NHMA
It’s that time of year to start thinking early spring blooms and you can support us by ordering your bulbs today http://northmusic.fpfundraising.com/
Looking for the Holiday Bulb Sale – Check back here in November
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Click on link for application. All dates and requirements are included.
TRI-M Application
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Show Times
Oct 18th @ 2pm & 7pm and Oct 19th @2pm
What if Cinderella wasn’t the only one who fit the glass slipper? The Prince finds 67 girls who fit the shoe. Join us for a fun witty magical night.
Purchase tickets: NHTO.booktix.com
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Next NHMA Meeting Tuesday October 14th 7:00 PM in the band room #124. Please join us.
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Main Booster Club
Fall Sports Are Back at North! Our student athletes have been putting in the work-on the field, on the court, and at practice. Don’t miss a game, meet or match this season. Please click on the link below for the most updated sports schedule. Bring your LION PRIDE, wear your colors and cheer on your favorite team. Let’s pack the Jungle and show what North is all about!
North Hunterdon High School Sports Schedule
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Gymnastics
Your NHV Gymnastics Team began their meet season with a scrimmage on 9/17/25 hosted by Montgomery HS. Congratulations NHV!
Team photo above: Olivia, Lexie, Allie, Ava, Danika, Emma, & Truth.
Coach McGourty and Coach Semanchik were proud of their gymnasts competing in new dynamic routines on Floor, Vault, Bars, and Beam. The Golden Beam Queen Crown was worn by Ava and Truth during the celebration for each of their flawless beam routines! (pictured on the right) For their first meet as Lions, Emma & Lexie were up first to compete vault & bars, way to go! Brand new music, choreography, tumbling passes, and skills were debuted during fantastic Floor Routines by Ava, Allie, Danika, Olivia and Truth. The coaches, teammates and crowd enthusiastically cheered for every stuck landing. Well done!
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Football
This month, we’d like to highlight our senior athletes. This great group of young men consistently work hard and play with their hearts for the team.
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Girls Cross Country
Girls Cross Country competed this month at the 45th Annual Magee Memorial Class Meet where they took first place in combined scoring of Senior, Junior and Sophomore races, as well as in the merge of all 43 teams competing. The Freshmen team also took first place. You can find the girls back at Holmdel Park competing at Shore Coaches Invitational on October 4th. Great start girls!
| | Boys Cross Country season is off to an amazing start with a very busy September! The Future 4 and JV took home silver medals at the Roxbury meet to kick off the season. The following week North took home the team championship trophy at the Back to the Mountain meet where JV and Varsity both placed first. The JV boys had 9 runners in the top 10 spots – wow! At the Magee Memorial Class Meet, North took home another trophy, placing first again! Finally the JV team prevailed over Bernards & Somerville at Natirar Park to finish out the month. The future is looking very bright for this team – keep up the great work Lions! | | On Saturday September 20th the NHHS Boys Soccer teams wore their gold warm up shirts to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In coordination with the Key Club, donated items were collected for Goryeb Children’s Hospital Cancer Unit. Thank you to everyone for their generosity! | | The 2025-26 NH Girls Varsity Soccer team is led by seniors (L to R) #17 Kylie Tchorz, #26 Camille Chambers, #7 Riley Pipher, #2 Lucy Sklar, #8 Marisol Moreno, and #16 Meredith Nuzzo. The team celebrated its seniors at the annual Senior Night at Singley Field on Sept. 24th with a 2-0 win over Phillipsburg HS. | | 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, September 30, 2025 at 7:00pm in the district office. The following topics were approved or discussed at the meeting:
- The BOE welcomed the new student board representatives from each school for the 2025-2026 school year. Max Sklar is the head rep, and Maura Green is the alternative.
- The BOE discussed District and Board Goals.
- The BOE approved standard action items regarding finance and policies.
The next meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 7:00pm 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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