Waldwick High School Principal's Blog

It is my pleasure to introduce Marylou Markman to the Waldwick community. Mrs. Markman is our new Aide for the STRIDES Program and we are very excited to have her as part of WHS.   Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I grew up in Massachusetts and attended Quinnsigamond Community College and Westbrook College in Maine. My husband and I moved to Waldwick in 2000 to raise our family. I taught CCD for many years while my children were young and volunteered at Traphagen throughout the years. I have been substituting for all different grade levels for the past couple of years. What made you choose Education as a career? I love working with children. What appealed to you about Waldwick High School? I live in Waldwick. After substituting in various schools, I found that everyone in Waldwick High School is so fri endly and helpful. Tell us something interesting about yourself?   I love bike riding, Yoga and meeting new people.

It is my pleasure to introduce Ethan Crump to the Waldwick community. Mr. Crump is our new Physics teacher and we are very excited to have him as part of WHS.   Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I grew up in West Caldwell, NJ, the youngest of four boys. I attended Stevens Institute of Technology where I graduated with a degree in Applied Physics. I am currently one year into the alternate route to teaching program in New Jersey. I have worked at the National Museum of Mathematics as a docent, James Caldwell High School as a substitute teacher, Indian Hills High school as a part time Physics teacher and as a tutor at Mathnasium in Denville, NJ.  What made you choose Education as a career? I am passionate about math and science and enjoy sharing that passion with others. What appealed to you about Waldwick High School? I liked the idea of working at a smaller high school. I think the school's size will give more opportunity to become a part of the wider ...

It is my pleasure to introduce Danielle Nelson to the Waldwick community. Ms. Nelson is our new Health and Physical Education teacher and we are very excited to have her as part of WHS.   Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I grew up and currently still reside in Saddle Brook. I attended Paramus Catholic High School where I ran cross country and track. I went to William Paterson University and majored in Physical Education and Health k-12 and am currently still studying there pursuing a Masters Degree. I taught at Pascack Valley High School last year as a full year leave replacement. I’m also a spinning instructor, teaching classes at a few different gyms in Bergen county. What made you choose Education as a career? From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with young people and help people in anyway I could. In college when deciding on a major, I put my two passions together; working with young people and health/fitness, which lead me to pursue a...

It is my pleasure to introduce Joseph Betts to the Waldwick community. Mr. Betts is our leave replacement Athletic Trainer and we are very excited to have him as part of WHS.   Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I was born in Staten Island, New York where I lived until I was 8 years old. I then moved to Freehold, New Jersey and continued to play and watch all sports. As I grew up I focused on hockey, playing for club teams and my high school. I then moved on to Rowan University where I majored in Athletic Training and continued to play hockey for the school my freshman and sophomore year. After I graduated I worked as an Athletic Trainer for Premier Sports Medicine. What made you choose Education as a career? When I was in High School I always had a great support system around me, made up by teachers and coaches. I always knew I wanted to work with students and be a role model like the people I had in my life. When it came time for college, I looked into A...

It is my pleasure to introduce Lois Gray to the Waldwick community. Mrs. Gray is our new school nurse and we are very excited to have her as part of WHS. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I grew up in Clifton with four sisters and one brother. I have lived in Waldwick for 21 years with my husband and our three children. I received my Nursing Degree from Ramapo College, the year my oldest graduated from high school. I continued my education at Felician University where I received my School Nurse Certification and a Masters in Education. I also received my Supervisory Certification from St. Peter's University last year. I have been a school nurse for almost nine years. What made you choose Education as a career? I began my nursing career after my daughter was born with the goal to become a nurse-midwife. I returned to school and after I graduated with my BSN, I worked at Hackensack University Medical Center in the Mother/Baby Department. During that time I ...

It is my pleasure to introduce Audrey Donahue to the Waldwick community.  Ms.  Donahue  will be a great addition to our Physical Education and Health Department. We are very excited to have her part of WHS. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I grew up in River Vale, New Jersey and attended Pascack Valley High School. I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years and a member of my high school's varsity gymnastics team for 4 years. I went to Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania where I majored in Exercise Science. I then went on to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching Degree for Physical Education at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. Throughout my last year of high school and four years of college, I worked as a personal trainer and gymnastics instructor/coach. During my two years of graduate school, I also gained experience through substitute teaching at my hometown high school district. What made you choose Education as a ...

It is my pleasure to introduce Kevin Rutz to the Waldwick community.  Mr. Rutz will be a great addition to our Related Arts Department as a Technology teacher. We are very excited to have him as part of WHS. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I was born and raised in Toms River, NJ and I always filled the role of handyman for my family. I would build, install and fix anything that needed repair. I played football and tennis, sang in chorus and acted throughout high school. I began my college career at Ocean County College and completed my Bachelor's Degree in interdisciplinary business at TCNJ (the College of New Jersey). I returned to school for Technology Education and received my MAT in Technology Education as part of the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. What made you choose Education as a career? I originally earned a degree in Business, but was never satisfied with being behind a desk all day. Going back to my roots, I would spend my free time tinkering with new p...

It is my pleasure to introduce Jeffrey Dodd to the Waldwick community. Mr. Dodd will be a great addition to our Science Department as a Biology teacher. We are very excited to have him as part of WHS. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I have lived all over Northern New Jersey, went to Ramapo College for my Bachelors of Science and then to Montclair State for my Masters in Education. What made you choose Education as a career? We'll I sort of fell into it and before doing so, I had no idea I would love it. I was asked to be a tutor in college, then picked up more classes building up to a supplemental instructor as the years went by. This is where I fell in love with teaching as I had my own class. Moving on to my Masters, I taught as a graduate assistant, and following that, spent a little time as an adjunct professor. I have been teaching in one form or another in the classroom for nearly eight years and find that I can always learn something new from col...

It is my pleasure to introduce Dr. Cindy Abashkin to the Waldwick community. D r. Abashkin will be a great addition to our Science Department as a Biology teacher. We are very excited to have her as part of WHS. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? Growing up in Clifton, I was intrigued by Biology and Anatomy at an early age. I took that curiosity to Rutgers University to earn a degree in Biology and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic to obtain my doctorate in Chiropractic. I have been practicing Chiropractic for ten years and have been teaching for two. What made you choose Education as a career? Having teachers at an early age that created a spark for knowledge is something I will always be grateful for. As I started teaching and consulting patients, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed teaching them about nutrition and wellness. Coming from a family of educators, I eventually came to realize it was a personal calling as well.  What appealed to you...

It is my pleasure to introduce Kimberly Monico-Rifi to the Waldwick community. Mrs. Rifi will be a great addition to our Child Study Team as a School Psychologist.  We are very excited to have her as part of WHS. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I have had the awesome opportunity of teaching 3rd-5th grade in Waldwick, at Traphagen, for the past 14 years. I graduated from Montclair State University in 2001 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Then, in 2007, I completed a Masters in Educational Psychology. In May of 2018, I completed a 2nd Masters in Clinical Psychology, with a School Psychology certification. I am really looking forward to continuing my career as the School Psychologist in the Waldwick School District. What made you choose Education as a career? I don't remember what made me choose it, honestly. I can, however, tell you why I am still here. It is the hardest job that you'll ever love. I have not met many people that love their job ...

It is my pleasure to introduce Rachel Dillon to the Waldwick community.  Mrs. Dillon will be a great addition to our Language Arts Department. This year she will be teaching English 10 and Blueprint at the high school and will also have one class in the middle school.   We are very excited to have her as part of WHS. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?  I grew up in Mahwah, about 3 miles from WHS in a family of five. I commuted to William Paterson University while working at the local Wyckoff Stop & Shop. I married my high school sweetheart one year after graduating college, during my first year of teaching. About three years ago, we moved to Allendale, from New Milford. I am a mother to six year old James and one year old Elizabeth. What made you choose education as a career? I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher as a result of watching my mother in the classroom. When I was four, my father gave me his old ...

It is my pleasure to introduce Heather Ruiz to the Waldwick community.   Ms. Ruiz will be filling in for Mrs. Kabobjian (Ms. Hart) while she is out on maternity leave. Ms. Ruiz will be teachin g  World History for the STRIDES program as well as Academic Support .   We are very excited to have Ms. Ruiz be a part of WHS.  Can you tell us a little about your background?  I grew up in Waldwick and went to Traphagen Elementary. I also attended Waldwick Middle School and graduated from Waldwick High School in 2008. During high school I was Captain of the Volleyball Team and a thrower for the Spring Track Team. I went to Montclair State University and studied History and African American Studies and got my Masters in Social Studies and Special Education from Saint Thomas Aquinas College. In the fall of 2014 I was a student teacher here at Waldwick High School and have been working as a Collaborative Aide at Traphagen for the past year. What made you cho...

It is my pleasure to introduce Sarah Van Vliet to the Waldwick community.  Ms. Van Vliet will be filling in for Mrs. Parsils, teaching Art.  We are very excited for Ms. Van Vliet be part of WHS. Can you tell us a little about your background? I grew up in Parsippany, NJ and was always interested in creating art. I went to Monmouth University and graduated with a degree in Art Education and Special Education. This is my first teaching job! What made you choose education as a career? For as long as I could remember, I always wanted to be a teacher. I had three great teachers in my life that inspired me to become a teacher; my fourth grade teacher, my high school sophomore English teacher and my high school Art teacher. What appealed to you about Waldwick High School? I love the camaraderie at this school and how everyone works together toward a common goal, teaching the students! I've never met a nicer group of individuals. Tell us something interesting...

It is my pleasure to introduce Elaine Thoman to the Waldwick community.   Ms. Thoman will be filling in for Mrs. Serwin in both the high school and middle school.  We are very excited to have her part of WHS. Can you tell us a little about your background? I live in Ridgewood and went through the Ridgewood public school system.  I just graduated this past May from Montclair State University where I received my BA in Music Education, with voice as my primary instrument.  Music first became a part of my life when I chose to start taking piano lessons at the age of 8.  Cello came next at Hawes Elementary School and I played in the orchestra through my freshman year of high school.  It wasn't until my freshman year at Ridgewood High School that the choir director asked me to audition for his top group the next year.  I started studying voice my sophomore year and haven't stopped yet! What made you choose education as a career? I chose ...

It is my pleasure to introduce Taline Royland to the Waldwick community.  Ms. Royland will be a great addition to our Math department. This year she will be teaching Geometry at the high school and will also have two classes in the middle school.   We are very excited to have her part of WHS. Can you tell us a little about your background? I grew up in Westwood, New Jersey and went to their public schools from K-12. I played volleyball, basketball and softball. I attended Monmouth University where I majored in Math and Education, and worked in the Math Department by tutoring students in all areas of math. What made you choose education as a career? I always helped my friends when they struggled in math and that feeling became contagious. I love helping people learn math and learn to love it, as well. What appealed to you about Waldwick High School? My high school was small so I was naturally drawn to Waldwick. Since I grew up close to Waldwick...

It is my pleasure to introduce Kirsten Musciano to the Waldwick community.  Ms. Musciano will be working within the Physical Education Department. Ms. Muscia no will be filling in for Ms. Royston while she is on leave and when Mrs. Olivo goes out on leave, Ms. Musciano will take over those classes. We are very excited to have Ms. Musciano be a part of WHS. Can you tell us a little about your background? I grew up in and graduated from Mountain Lakes High, where I played three sports: Cross Country, Wrestling and Lacrosse.  I later went on to participate in two sports at Wells College: Cross Country and Lacrosse, where I received conference titles and MVP awards.  I graduated from William Paterson University with a BS in Kinesiology, K-12 PE, Health and Driver's Ed Certification. Coached HS Lacrosse for six years at River Dell and have coached collegiate Cross Country and  U12 Soccer.   What made you choose education as a career? ...

It is my pleasure to introduce Brian Browne to the Waldwick community.  Mr. Browne will be teaching Chemistry.  We are very excited to have Mr. Browne be a part part of WHS. Can you tell us a little about your background? I was born in Westwood and grew up in northern Bergen County and the Hudson Valley of New York. In high school I ran track and played Lacrosse. In college I studied Biology, Chemistry and Psychology while continuing to play Lacrosse. What made you choose education as a career? During college I would frequently visit the Science offices and on one of these occasions, I happened to start tutoring some fellow students. After that I began tutoring consistently and was eventually asked to teach a recitation class for Chemistry. It was from this experience that I began my career in education. What appealed to you about Waldwick High School? The first time I saw Waldwick High School was while I was on my way to pick up a friend. I...

It is my pleasure to introduce Dena Argo to the Waldwick community.  Mrs. Argo will be teaching within our Business Department.  This year she will be teaching Accounting, Personal Finance, Marketing and International Business. We are very excited to have Mrs. Argo be a part of WHS.  Can you tell us a little about your background?  I grew up in Netcong, which is a small town (less than a square mile) in Morris County.  I attended Netcong Elementary from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and then attended Lenape Valley Regional High School.  For college, I became a Nittany Lion and majored in Business Management at Penn State.  Upon graduating, I started working at Target Corporation, where I held five different leadership positions over the last seven years. What made you choose education as a career ? When I needed to choose a major for college, I knew about the Alternate Route Program for teaching, so I wanted to give myself an ...

Jill Raffaele - Attendance Clerk Can you share with us a little bit of your background? I grew up in Nutley, NJ and graduated from Nutley High School. I went on to receive my BA in Psychology from Kean University. I worked for a private psychiatric practice in Hackensack NJ for two years. In those two years I married my husband Joe, who is from Waldwick, and we started a family right away. What appealed to you about Waldwick High School? My husband, Joe, is a Waldwick High School graduate. He was raised in Waldwick and went to Crescent Elementary School and Middle School. He always recalls fondly his years and all of the teachers here in Waldwick. My oldest child, Francesca, is a junior at Waldwick HS and my middle son, Nicolas, is in 7th grade at the Middle School and my youngest, Jojo, is in 4th grade at Crescent. We have had a wonderful experience at all three schools here and we couldn't ask for anything else in regards to the close-knit community and excellent s...