The Pascack Hills community is devastated to let our beloved teachers go. However, the student body looks forward to seeing where life may take them next. With a bittersweet goodbye, congratulations to all our retired teachers on a successful and fulfilling career!
Elise Naramore
Naramore has taught physics, honors physics, AP Physics, and AP Physics 2 throughout her career. She has been a physics teacher for 35 years, teaching at several schools across the state of New Jersey, as well as in an international school in Mexico. Her time at Pascack Hills has been her longest-held teaching job—18 years.
Naramore’s primary focus has always been dedicated to supporting her students in the classroom. At Hills, she partnered with colleague David Frangiosa to develop an alternative assessment approach for students. In 2021, she published the book, “The Learning Progression Model: Transforming Assessment to Support Student Success,” about this study. From there, she has published several journal articles, and presented at numerous national conferences. Naramore has been implementing this learning method by consulting with teachers in other school districts, including an international school in Kazakhstan.
“I have absolutely loved working at Pascack Hills. In my opinion, life is entirely about the people you choose to spend your time with, so my favorite part of this community will always be the relationships I’ve built with individual teachers, students, and administrators. While I will miss everyone dearly, I am also incredibly excited to begin the next phase of my life—especially a phase that does not include grading!”
In the future, Naramore will finish the final semester of her Ed.D. (Doctorate in Education) coursework. She will continue her educational journey with writing and consulting over the next two years as she receives her doctorate.
Paul Henry
Henry has taught several diverse courses as a collaborative teacher. He currently teaches Spanish and chemistry, and is the school’s internship coordinator. In past years, he has taught geometry, algebra, physics, and LLD (Learning and Language Disabilities Program). Henry has previously been an advisor for the Peers and Academic Decathlon clubs. He is currently an advisor for Hills’ continually ICDC-qualifying DECA club. He has been a scoreboard operator, PA announcer, and site manager for football, soccer, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and lacrosse.
“I appreciate all the opportunities to work with young people—both in the classroom and out. Watching students grow while problem solving has truly been gratifying. I will miss many of my colleagues — faculty, custodial, guidance, CST, trainers, administration and main office staff. I will remember and cherish both the successes and challenges.”
Prior to working as an educator, Henry worked in the food service industry. Henry described going back to school for education as “one of the best things I ever could have done.” He is retiring after 25 years of a rewarding career.
Marianne Simak
Simak is the Executive Secretary to the Principal. She works in the main office at Hills making sure our school runs smoothly. While she was unavailable for an interview, her important role in keeping the building organized will be truly missed, and we wish her a wonderful retirement.
Natalie Macke
Natalie Macke is a science teacher at Hills. She teaches both chemistry and AP Environmental Science. While she was unavailable to share her reflections for this article, her passion for science and commitment to helping her students succeed have left a lasting impact on the Hills community as she moves into her next chapter.
Willie Pico
Pico is our district network manager. He runs the technology department at Pascack Hills, making sure the students’ computers, staff whiteboards, and more work to the best of their ability. He has provided the Pascack Hills District with more than excellent technology to learn for 25 years in the district. We thank him for his decades of essential service to Hills and wish him the best in his retirement.
Congratulations to the retiring staff of 2026!
