Hills is preparing for a new school year unlike any other, but the community remains divided on recent decisions made by the Board and district administration.
After a spring of Zoom lessons and virtual test-taking, many have asked: Will students be back at Pascack Hills this fall? According to Governor Phil Murphy, the answer is yes –– with precautions.
At their meeting on June 25, the majority of the Board of Education stood by their decision to remove the Cowboy nickname at Hills and the Indian mascot at Valley despite backlash from students, parents, and alumni.
On Tuesday, June 23, the Trailblazer published a Google form inviting community members to share their thoughts on the Board's decision to remove the Cowboy nickname at Hills and the Indian mascot at Valley.
Meeting in Hills' parking lot, participants held signs calling for defunding the Board of Education and unfurled a banner in support of President Trump patched to say "Make Hills great again."
The Board approved the removal of the nickname of Pascack Hills, the Cowboy, and the mascot of Pascack Valley, the Indian. They said they would assign new names at a later date in a "thoughtful and expeditious manner."
Instead of simply being in a position of authority,
Hills Principal Glenn deMarrais puts in the effort to connect with as many people in the school as possible, formulating bonds that will remain long after he leaves Hills.
How valedictorian Hallie Wikfors and salutatorian Miranda Luo reacted to being chosen, what their friends and teachers say about them, and how they are celebrating their accomplishment amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis two weeks ago, Black Lives Matter protests have erupted across the country –– including on Monday at Hills.
In an interview with the Trailblazer, members of the equity team outlined their response to George Floyd's killing and how they believe the district can educate students about racial equity.
"It said I didn't give a response," Noah Hirshfield explained. AP students at Hills reported issues submitting their virtual exams and have no apparent choice but to retake them in June.
