Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
Members of the PVRHSD Board of Education at the start of the meeting.
BOE approves new athletic appointments, resignations
Earlier in the meeting, Superintendent Sarah Bilotti discussed the district’s Day of Service, which was held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16.
BOE recognizes student achievements
Calderone being sworn in by Usami.
District inaugurates new BOE member, re-elects president and vice president
From left to right: Pascack Hills assistant principals Christine Pollinger and Derek Piccini, Watters, Hills principal Tim Wieland, and district Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Barry Bachenheimer.
Marissa Watters named Educational Services Professional of the Year
From left to right: Pascack Hills athletic director Steven Papa, district Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Barry Bachenheimer, Hills assistant principal Christine Pollinger, Sandhage, Hills principal Tim Wieland, and Hills assistant principal Derek Piccini.
Lorrie Sandhage named Teacher of the Year
Set up for Project Linus, one of the activities from Day of Service.
District observes first annual Beloved Community Day of Service
There were about 115 competitors in the 1st round of competition.  
Members of DECA qualify to compete at States in Atlantic City
The Pascack Hills Music Department performing together at the end of the Winter Concert.
Hills music department performs at winter concert, Radio City Music Hall
Photo gallery: Winter Pep Rally
Photo gallery: Winter Pep Rally
Members of the Pascack Hills Model U.N. at the conference.
Model U.N. recognized at Princeton Conference
The Wild Card Round may be over, but the playoff action has just begun.
2023 NFL Playoffs: What you need to know
The team at the first game of the season against Fair Lawn.
Broncos voted North Jersey Football Team of the Week for Week 3
Runge during her first year coaching at Hills.
Coach Runge celebrates 100th win
Brown is eager to work with the team and incorporate all of her ideas into the program.
Lauren Brown approved as new head softball coach
The team huddles together.
Photo gallery: Girls soccer vs. Cliffside Park
Gingerbread houses can be intricately designed, but more often for display than for a dessert.
Gingerbread houses: Are they as good as they seem?
Santa Claus did not originate as a marketing ploy, but rather an ode to a monk named St. Nicholas.
The celebration of Christmas: Secular and sacred
The SAT will be done on the computer after decades of it being a printed test.
SAT to go online: Is it the right decision?
A person receives a vaccine against the monkeypox virus amid an outbreak.
The monkeypox outbreak: Is it time to prepare for another pandemic?
World Economic Forum discussing the ESG data.
Pros and cons of ESG investing
Students, staff comment on Hills going mask-optional
Students, staff comment on Hills going mask-optional
BOE discusses school employee vaccination requirements
BOE discusses school employee vaccination requirements
BOE announces optional masking for district
BOE announces optional masking for district
Another year navigating through the covid pandemic
Another year navigating through the covid pandemic
Fishbein updates public on district Covid-19 policies
Fishbein updates public on district Covid-19 policies
United States House of Representatives official seal.
Speaker of the House Election: Deliberation and delay
Kitchens of the 1970s used to have colorful, retro-themed cabinet panels, while many modern-day kitchens have white paint, marble, or stainless steel.
Is color disappearing from the world?
Football, as called in Europe, dates back 2,000 years when it was said to have been played in ancient China, Greece and Rome.
Why do Americans call soccer, football?
A poster used in German protests to honor Mahsa Amini.
Mahsa Amini’s death: The state of Iran and its online discussion
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legislative Affairs.
The factors of the Respect For Marriage Bill’s formation
Bronco’s Breakdown, Episode 5
Bronco’s Breakdown, Episode 5
Broncos Breakdown, Episode 4
Bronco’s Breakdown, Episode 4
Broncos Breakdown, Episode 3
Bronco’s Breakdown, Episode 3
Broncos Breakdown, Episode 1
Bronco’s Breakdown, Episode 1
October screencap
October screencap
A day as a social media manager ranges from managing marketing campaigns in order to raise popularity to spotlighting a person, product, or service.
Career spotlight: Social media marketing
Some students have a clear preference on what they want to learn, whether it be something purely academic or artistic.
Navigating course selections
Banovic controlling the cameras at News 12.
How I got here: Michael Banovic
A sign outside of the student center on Busch Campus in Piscataway, N.J.
College overview: Rutgers University
How I got here: Dean Maltz
How I got here: Dean Maltz
The 95th Academy Awards show is scheduled for March 12.
2023 Oscar nominations: The biggest snubs and surprises
The Met Museum.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Exhibits of 2023
While the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), Critics’ Choice Awards, and Golden Globes may not leave a mark the way the Academy Awards do, they are often good indicators of what movie fans can expect to see up for Best Picture come Oscar night.
Oscar nomination predictions: Films to look out for
Jenna Ortega (left), who portrays Wednesday Addams and the cast of the 1964 Addams Family series (right).
‘Wednesday’ is an enjoyable, albeit flawed, Addams Family revival
‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ official movie logo.
‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ shocks viewers
February horoscopes
February horoscopes
January horoscopes
January horoscopes
December horoscopes
December horoscopes
November horoscopes
November horoscopes
Whether classic or newer, see the options for Halloween costumes this year.
2022 Halloween costume ideas
Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
Reporting with Hills Pride

The Trailblazer
All content by Jenna Golub
Trailblazer Article Post

Senior spotlight: Sylvie Najarian

June 8, 2021
For the first time since the pandemic began, the Board of Education held their meeting in the auditorium.

BOE approves interim superintendent for district

June 7, 2021
Ms. Harmon, left, after being named 2005-06 Hills Teacher of the Year. She is pictured with former Superintendent Benedict Tantillo, center, and 2005-06 Valley Teacher of the Year Karen Kosch.

‘Deeds not words’: Remembering Ms. Harmon

May 25, 2021
“We believe the benefits of having students all back seeing each other face to face... don’t outweigh the potential risks,” Gundersen explained.

District to keep cohorts separate – with a catch for vaccinated seniors

May 13, 2021
An empty classroom at Pascack Hills. The district is now able to decrease social distancing from six feet to three feet.

BOE to discuss merging cohorts

May 7, 2021
Gundersen, a recent Bergen County Superintendent of the Year, has served as Pascack Valley Regional superintendent since 2011.

Superintendent to leave district for new job

April 20, 2021
Debra Stephans teaches at Berkeley College in New Jersey and is the mother of three children attending schools in Montvale.

BOE selects Debra Stephans to fill vacant Montvale seat

April 19, 2021
Mondays board meeting was held in-person at Pascack Valleys cafeteria, as well as virtually on Zoom.

Steven Papa approved as next athletic director

April 12, 2021
Hills athletic trainer Steven Papa pictured in 2015.

Steven Papa recommended for Hills athletic director position

April 9, 2021
Signage on the bleachers at Hills reminding spectators to wear masks and social distance.

Paspalas announces guidelines for spring sports spectators

April 6, 2021
Since the start of the pandemic, apps like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become a lifeline for people to stay connected.

Pandemic alters Hills students’ social media habits

April 15, 2021
Mondays Board meeting was held in person for a limited audience while also available for members and the community to attend on Zoom.

‘Time to move on’: Gundersen criticizes mayors’ letter to BOE

March 22, 2021
Bissinger pictured at an event in the Pascack Hills library in December 2018.

BOE Vice President Janet Bissinger resigns

March 19, 2021
Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo and Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali.

Pascack mayors call for investigation of BOE mascot decisions

March 10, 2021
Trailblazer Article Graphic (31)

BOE approves new mascots for Hills and Valley

March 8, 2021
The 2018 Pascack Hills graduation. The Class of 2021s graduation is currently scheduled for June 16 on the football field.

Planning of senior end-of-year events underway

March 3, 2021
drivers license, the debut single by American pop artist Olivia Rodrigo, grew incredibly popular on social media platforms such as TikTok.

The most popular music of 2021 –– so far

March 3, 2021
Hills students cheer for their fellow students at a pep rally during the 2019-20 school year.

Broncos wins school-wide vote for Hills’ mascot

February 25, 2021
How did Hills students describe Broncos_

Hills students, staff voice thoughts on mascot options

February 24, 2021
Last June, the Board of Education voted to remove Pascack Hills Cowboys nickname along with Pascack Valley’s mascot, the Indian.

Mascot search committee reveals final three choices for Hills’ mascot

February 22, 2021
The Trailblazer editorial staff for the 2020-21 school year. By row from left to right: Briana Keenan, Vani Apanosian (advisor), Simmie Brisman, Kate Zydor; Jared Mitovich, Riley Solomon, Maeve Rossig, Christina Kim; Daniel Albert, Justine Marinkovic, Mackenzie Blowers, Lauren Eusebio; Izzy Frangiosa, Claudia Kim, Jacob Charnow, and Siera Boffa.

Trailblazer wins 12 awards in statewide school publication contest

February 19, 2021
As has become the norm, the public Board meeting on Monday night echoed the hybrid nature of classes at Hills, with some participants opting to attend in-person and others virtually.

BOE receives updates on mascot search process, district finances

February 8, 2021
Superintendent Erik Gundersen clarified on Wednesday that Cowboys cannot be considered for Hills mascot.

Gundersen says Cowboys ‘not a viable option’ for Hills’ mascot

January 20, 2021
Student representatives from the Hills and Valley mascot committees spoke to the Board about their committees progress. This reignited a debate over the removal of the Cowboy mascot by the Board in June.

BOE discusses keeping Cowboys as an option for Hills’ mascot

January 18, 2021
To support Jack and organizations recommended by #JackStrong, Student Government is planning a school-wide Hills Kahoot game on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Student Government to host Hills trivia game in support of #JackStrong

January 14, 2021
All in-person co-curricular activities scheduled for Monday are canceled.

Hills goes fully remote on Jan. 11 after individual tests positive for Covid-19

January 10, 2021
Four new Board members being sworn in by secretary Yas Usami. Clockwise from top left: Kristin Martin of Hillsdale, Kelly Blundy of Woodcliff Lake, Gini Varghese of Hillsdale, and Michael Weaver of Montvale.

New BOE members sworn in at reorganization meeting

January 4, 2021
While Board members were able to attend tonights meeting in person, six out of eight attended virtually from home.

BOE discusses 8th period, honors students and departing members

December 14, 2020
All in-person co-curricular activities are also canceled through Sunday, Dec. 13.

Health officials move Pascack Valley Regional to fully remote instruction until Dec. 14

November 25, 2020
Less than an hour before class, an individual at Hills reported a positive Covid-19 test to the district.

Pascack Hills reports positive Covid-19 test

November 18, 2020
171 students in total –– around 20% of the Hills student body -– responded to the survey.

The 2020 presidential election among Hills students

November 2, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Michael Weaver

Meet the Board candidate: Michael Weaver

October 27, 2020
The announcement comes after another individual at Hills reported a positive test last Monday before school, forcing the school to close for two days.

Hills Covid case updates: Fully remote instruction to continue through Nov. 5

October 25, 2020
Less than an hour before class, an individual at Hills reported a positive Covid-19 test to the district.

Hills Covid case updates: School to reopen tomorrow, Oct. 21

October 19, 2020
There are differences between the candidates: their qualifications, their values, their priorities, and their philosophies on the role of the Board.

Who they are and where they stand: The Pascack Valley Regional Board candidates

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Kelly Blundy

Meet the Board candidate: Kelly Blundy

October 16, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: David Steinberg

Meet the Board candidate: David Steinberg

October 15, 2020
The Board of Education along with Superintendent Erik Gundersen and student representatives Aria Chalileh and Connor Flinn.

Board of Education presents communication plan at meeting

October 12, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Pat Luisi

Meet the Board candidate: Pat Luisi

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Kristin Martin

Meet the Board candidate: Kristin Martin

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Gini Varghese

Meet the Board candidate: Gini Varghese

October 9, 2020
Meet the Board candidate: Arnold Scher

Meet the Board candidate: Arnold Scher

October 9, 2020
Principal Tim Wieland directs freshmen to their classes during orientation Sept. 3.

‘It was a whirlwind’: students, staff tackle unusual school year

September 18, 2020
Paspalas coaching wrestling during his first year at Hills in 1989.

Concluding three decades at Hills, Paspalas reflects on past and present challenges

September 16, 2020
The front of Woodcliff Middle School, which sends many of its students to Pascack Hills after they graduate.

Woodcliff Middle School goes all-remote after teacher tests positive for Covid-19

September 11, 2020
Paspalas in 2018. He has been with the district for over 13 years.

Phil Paspalas, Hills assistant principal and athletic director, to retire in 2021

August 31, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pascack Hills and every school in New Jersey were closed from March 13 through the end of the 2019-20 school year.

‘No 100% guarantees’: Board approves plan to reopen schools

August 17, 2020
The July 23 Board meeting addressed pressing issues facing the district, including the reopening of Hills, the mascot removal, and racial equity efforts.

School reopening, mascot removal, Black Lives Matter discussed at July 23 Board meeting

July 23, 2020
Sheriff Anthony Cureton

Police reform, mascot removal underscored at racial equity rally in Woodcliff Lake

June 27, 2020
A protester holds a sign at the racial equity rally in Woodcliff Lake.

Media: Racial equity march held in Woodcliff Lake on Saturday

June 27, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pascack Hills and every school in New Jersey were closed from March 13 through the end of the 2019-20 school year.

What New Jersey’s school reopening guidelines may mean for Hills

June 26, 2020
The Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education, which held a meeting Thursday on Zoom focusing on the removal of the Cowboy and Indian mascots at Hills and Valley.

Amid vocal praise and criticism, Board says Cowboy and Indian mascot removal is final

June 25, 2020
Roughly one third of responses so far were among rising juniors, while nearly one fifth were among rising seniors. Roughly 13% of those who responded were rising sophomores; around 5% were among this year’s graduating class. The remaining responses were alumni, community members, or anonymous.

Community responds to Trailblazer form on Cowboy removal

June 24, 2020
Protests against the removal of the Cowboy as Pascack Hills mascot.

Media: Community members protest against removal of Cowboy as Hills’ mascot

June 23, 2020
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