Teachers and Staff

We are fortunate at Hillside Elementary to employ teachers and staff who are not only highly qualified professionals, but who have a passion for providing top quality education in a caring environment. We encourage you to take the time to get to know our wonderful staff members.

Administration and Office Staff

Alfred F. Baffa
Principal
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Cheryl Boehm
Secretary
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Courtney Carmichael
Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction
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Shannon Hone
Office Assistant
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Margaret Markgraf
Office Assistant
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Teachers

Preschool 

Josephine Hunt
Preschool
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About Josephine Hunt

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Kate Maher
Preschool
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About Kate Maher

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Brielle Tacconi
Preschool
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About Brielle Tacconi

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Kindergarten

Lauren Barbieri
Kindergarten
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About Lauren Barbieri

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Kerra Corio
Kindergarten
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About Kerra Corio

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Lauren Engle
Kindergarten
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About Lauren Engle

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Kristi Heibel
Kindergarten
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About Kristi Heibel

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Staci Levine
Kindergarten
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About Staci Levine

Our Classroom
Welcome to Mrs. Levine's classroom! Kindergarten is a special year filled with lots of learning and fun! I am so excited to be your child's teacher and know this year will be a special one.
Resources
Here is our Special's schedule: A Day- Gym and Book Buddies B Day- Spanish and Technology Buddies C Day - Library D Day- Gym and Science Lab E Day- Music F Day- Art and ICARE Buddies Our Scholastic Book Access code is JFRF3
Highlights
Here are the highlights for the month: Phonics First: o,a, and d. Go Math: Represent and Count numbers 0-5
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Mary Lotito
Kindergarten
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About Mary Lotito

Our Classroom
Welcome to Miss. Lotito's Kindergarten Class! I am so excited to be your Kindergarten teacher! This year, we will build strong foundations in Reading Readiness, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Social Skills, and more! My goal is to help your child grow and succeed all year long through engaging hands on activities and meaningful play.
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Our Specials Schedule 2018-2019 A day: Music B day: Art C day: Gym (wear sneakers please!) D day: Library (return your library book please!) & Science Lab E day: Spanish F day: Gym (wear sneakers please!)
Highlights
This Month in Kindergarten: Phonics First Letters: o, a, d Math: Chapter 1: Represent, Count, and Write Numbers to 5 Scholastic Code: PCKGT Please check your child's folder daily for important notices and Kindergarten work!
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Kimberly Ramm
Kindergarten
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About Kimberly Ramm

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First Grade

Wendy Bajakian
First Grade
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About Wendy Bajakian

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Susan Carpenter
First Grade
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About Susan Carpenter

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Allison Esposito
First Grade
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About Allison Esposito

Our Classroom
<p><strong>Welcome!</strong></p><p>In our class, we will explore, learn, and have fun! &nbsp;We will work as a team to grow our minds and overcome challenges because the best way to learn is by working together. &nbsp;Each day, students will learn through various instructional methods that include visuals, movement, and hands on activities. &nbsp;I believe that communication between home and school is an essential piece of every child&#39;s education, so please don&#39;t hesitate to contact me throughout the year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Meet Ms. Esposito</strong></p><p>I am thrilled to begin my third year at Hillside School&nbsp;and my seventh year&nbsp;in the classroom! &nbsp;I moved&nbsp;from Virginia and I have loved being part of Hillside&#39;s first grade team!&nbsp; I earned my master&#39;s degree in elementary education curriculum and instruction.&nbsp; I look forward to our wonderful year ahead!</p>
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Sandra Hirsch
First Grade
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About Sandra Hirsch

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Meghan Pleus
First Grade
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About Meghan Pleus

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Katrina Vastano
First Grade
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About Katrina Vastano

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Second Grade

Nicole Alpern
Second Grade
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About Nicole Alpern

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Allison Bachmann
Second Grade
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About Allison Bachmann

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Claire Collins
Second Grade
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About Claire Collins

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Jennifer Kennedy
Second Grade
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About Jennifer Kennedy

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Alyssa Levy
Second Grade
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About Alyssa Levy

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Lisa Pantaleo
Second Grade
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About Lisa Pantaleo

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Third Grade

Marie Barbagallo
Third Grade
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About Marie Barbagallo

Our Classroom
Welcome families! Educating the "Whole Child" with developmentally appropriate practices through hands-on experience, is the basis of how our classroom functions. As "Head Learner" in the classroom, I am concerned with the intellectual as well as the emotional growth of my students. Cognitive development is uppermost in mind when planning lessons, understanding that I am teaching children, not subjects. Using a project approach and integrating the curriculum enhances my ability to facilitate students with varied learning styles. My door is always open, and I am happy to chat with you about any question or concern you might have. You can reach me at barbagallo@nvet.org. I am looking forward to a year filled with wonderful memories!
Resources
Go Math - https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com Here are some cool websites for children: http://www.havefunteaching.com/ www.EnchantedLearning.com/ www.ScholasticNetwork.com/ www.funbrain.com/ www.kidzone/ www.brainpop.com
Highlights
Throughout the months of September and October, we will be using our senses, in science, by observing the life cycle of live monarch butterflies in our classroom. We have had the opportunity to witness a caterpillar spin a chrysalis and even released several butterflies! This miracle of metamorphosis would rarely be seen in the wild.
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Jodi Belnick
Third Grade
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About Jodi Belnick

Our Classroom
Welcome to third grade! I am excited to get to know each of you, and I am looking forward to a happy and productive school year. Remember to check Schoology for homework and reminders. Peace, Love, & Happiness - Mrs. Belnick
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Highlights
A - Gym, B - Science Lab & Spanish, C - Library, D - Gym, E - Music, F - Art
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Charlene Gerbig
Third Grade
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About Charlene Gerbig

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Katelyn Lee
Third Grade
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About Katelyn Lee

Our Classroom
Welcome to third grade! I am delighted to meet all of my students this year! Our classroom will foster a community of learners who are not afraid to make mistakes. We believe that with strong will and effort, anything is possible! In third grade, we will explore students' curiosities and make learning fun, exciting, and productive. I look forward to making fabulous memories this year!
Resources
HOMEWORK/ANNOUNCEMENTS: - Read 20 min. and log - Math worksheet
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SCHEDULE OF SPECIALS A DAY Music (10:50-11:30) B DAY Art (10:50-11:30) C DAY Phys. Ed. (2:25-3:05) D DAY Library (9:30-10:10) E DAY Spanish (8:50-9:30) Science Lab (10:10-10:50) F DAY Phys. Ed. (9:30-10:10)
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Catherine Ricca
Third Grade
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About Catherine Ricca

Our Classroom
Welcome to Ms. Ricca's class! I am thrilled to be teaching third grade this year.
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Homework/Announcements: Reading- Read for 15 minutes and log Spelling- Daily spelling activity Math- Worksheet
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Schedule of Specials: A Day- Art, B Day- Physical Education, C Day- Music, D Day- World Language, E Day- Physical Education, F Day- Library
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Nicholas Shaprio
Third Grade
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About Nicholas Shaprio

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Fourth Grade

Leah Cohen
Fourth Grade
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About Leah Cohen

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Tara Eddy
Fourth Grade
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About Tara Eddy

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Scott Greene
Fourth Grade
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About Scott Greene

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Ashley McConnell
Fourth Grade
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About Ashley McConnell

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Kerry Sidrow
Fourth Grade
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About Kerry Sidrow

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Kristin Talty
Fourth Grade
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Special Areas

Sofia Capparelli
PE/Health
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Chris Cleary
Art
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Kristen Haenelt
Health Office (RN)
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Joanne Iyo
Technology/STEM
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Silvia Jost
Science
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Eileen Kennedy
ESL
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Elizabeth Klink
Librarian
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Kathy Lee
ESL
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Mary Jo Martino
Spanish Teacher
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About Mary Jo Martino

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Claire Pidi
Music
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About Claire Pidi

Our Classroom
Music is a fundamental and powerful component of an arts education. It helps to enrich students' understanding of the human experience across cultural lines and historical eras. An education in music strengthens creativity and helps students develop aesthetic potential. Furthermore, music education increases students' appreciation of music and contributes to a balanced educational career. Studies reveal that music education can help students develop a stronger self image and self discipline. Ultimately our goal is that every student gain an appreciation of music and the arts as well as experience the life long joy that only music can give.
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The following are music instrument rental dealerships that have served the students of Closter for many years and are recommended for 4th grade instrument rental: O'DiBella Music (Bergenfield, NJ) Music and Arts (Route 17, Paramus NJ) Beau Monde Guitars (Northvale, NJ)
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Our comprehensive program includes Pre K through Grade 4 General Music featuring our Kindergarten Songfest, First Grade Thanksgiving Show, Second Grade Flag Day Show, Third Grade Recorder Concert and Carnegie Hall Link Up program and trip, Fourth Grade Winter Choral Concert. Our instrumental program features a third and fourth grade String Orchestra as well as our instrument music instruction and band program for fourth grade students.
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William Potkulski
PE/Health
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About William Potkulski

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Sarah Rhee
ESL
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Daniella Riecken
PreK Music
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Vincent Salvati
Technology
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Jodi Sunshine
HEP
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Dara Weiss
Guidance
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About Dara Weiss

Our Classroom
I.C.A.R.E AT HILLSIDE SCHOOL - Integrity, Caring, Attitude, Respect & Empathy. ICARE is Hillside's character education program. It is one of our efforts to promote a positive school climate through character education. Every month teachers teach lessons on the assigned character trait.
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In addition to the ICARE program, we have...The PATHS Program for Grade K. The PATHS program is grounded in social and emotional learning (SEL). SEL helps children: resolve conflicts peacefully, handle emotions positively, empathize, and make responsible decisions. We also have Kelso's Choices for Grade 2. This is a Conflict Resolution Program. The goal is to teach students several positive ways to deal with difficult situations.
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Basic Skills & Resource Centers

Patricia Brett
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About Patricia Brett

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Kari Corcoran-McPartland
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About Kari Corcoran-McPartland

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Ashley de Graaf
MSR
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Sheila Devine
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About Sheila Devine

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Rebecca Dippolito
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James Klika
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About James Klika

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Jamie Marotti
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About Jamie Marotti

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Regina Pesce
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About Regina Pesce

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Nancy Saccoccio
OT
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Lori Scalera
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About Lori Scalera

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Kerry Vogel
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About Kerry Vogel

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Andrea Watkins
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About Andrea Watkins

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Child Study Team

Lynne Dubert
CST Secretary
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About Lynne Dubert

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Patricia Eichenlaub
Director of Special Service
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About Patricia Eichenlaub

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Janet Felice
LDTC
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About Janet Felice

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Kara Fowler
CST Office Assistant
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About Kara Fowler

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Sara Kim
Social Worker
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About Sara Kim

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Gila Rachlin
Speech
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Joan Romo
Psychologist
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About Joan Romo

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Leanne Schettino
Speech
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About Leanne Schettino

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