Rutherford High School

RHS Music Department Performs in Washington DC

Brian Ersalesi — Tue, 06 May 2025 14:17:11 +0000

The Rutherford Music Department had a very successful trip to Washington DC this past weekend. The students spent time at the International Spy Museum, the Smithsonian, and visited many of the monuments in the city. They performed for judges on Saturday morning, and all three groups had very successful performances. The choir received a superior rating, and the overall program received the esteemed “esprit de corps” award. This award is only given to one school out of all of the schools that participate.

In the context of Music in the Parks, the Esprit de Corps award is a special recognition given to groups displaying exemplary behavior and positive support during the festival. It emphasizes personal integrity, character, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation. Essentially, it’s about demonstrating good sportsmanship and positive attitudes within the music community.

We are most proud of this award because it really exemplifies what our program, led by Mrs. Patricia Blanchard and Mr. Joseph Cavezza, is about.

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UMS Choir Students Perform at Honors Choir Festival

Brian Ersalesi — Mon, 05 May 2025 15:11:55 +0000

Rutherford Public Schools is proud to announce that eight middle school students performed at the ACDA NJ Junior High All-State Honors Choir Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

All students sang the challenging and diverse repertoire beautifully with a high level of vocal technique and artistry. They are truly a proud representation of Union Middle School, Rutherford Public Schools, and the UMS Concert Choir Program!

Members of the SSAA Treble (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2) Choir – Gwen Allen, Mariana Brochero, and Mia DiLorenzo.

Members of the SATB Mixed (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) Choir – CJ Ackermann, Bella Cabrera, Maia Floresca, Alexandra Rodriquez Del Busto and Krithik Saravanan.

Additional congratulations to Mia DiLorenzo for being awarded the Defying Gravity (Wicked) solo for the SSAA Choir.

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Word from the Principal

Frank Morano — Thu, 01 May 2025 13:00:36 +0000

It is hard to believe that the end of the year is approaching quickly. I am hoping that you will join some of the end-of-school-year activities. Below are some important dates for your reference:

May 2 – World Language Honor Society Induction Luncheon (Students Only)

May 3 – SATs

May 8 – National Honor Society Induction

May 14 – Spring Concert

May 19-20 – NJSLA Math- 9th Grade Students

May 19-20 – NJSLA Science – 11 Grade Students

May 21 – Evening of the Arts

May 23-26 – School Closed

May 30 – Senior Awards Ceremony (Invite Only)

May 30 – Senior Prom

June 7 – SATs

June 23 – Graduation

June 24 – Last Day of School

More information will be coming:

June 3 – PTSA-Baccalaureate Service
June 9 – All Sports Dinner

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Word from the Principal

Frank Morano — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:23:10 +0000

It’s unbelievable that we are starting the last quarter of the school year on April 7. Spring sports have begun and as Spring has arrived and we approach the finish line we have numerous important events beginning this month. The students enjoyed the most popular Spirit Week. The senior class took home the prize with the most school spirit. The week culminated with a Pep Rally to excite the students and staff for the upcoming Spring season. The Jr. Dinner Dance will be held on Friday, April 4. Our talented musicians and singers will be showcased at Popcert on April 9. A Post-Secondary Information Night hosted by the guidance department will take place on April 10. There will be a PTSA meeting on April 16. Schools are closed for Spring break April 18 through April 25. Our World Language Honor Society students will be honored on May 2 during a luncheon.

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Engaging “Escape Room” Activity in English Class

Brian Ersalesi — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:07:34 +0000

Mr. Stracco’s Honors 400 English class participated in an engaging escape room activity as a culminating experience for Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. The challenge incorporated riddles, symbolism, and character identification, with each clue leading to the next step—until one group, like Nora Helmer, successfully “escaped.”

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UMS Choir Students Perform in Regional Choir

Brian Ersalesi — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:42:56 +0000

Congratulations to UMS Concert Choir students Sean Doherty, Maia Floresca and CJ Ackermann for performing with the NJSMA Region 1 Mixed Choir on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The choir sang challenging repertoire from a variety of genres including John Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth, Eric Whittacre’s Seal Lullaby, and Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday (Sunday in the Park with George).

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Word from the Principal

Frank Morano — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 14:00:21 +0000

March is an exciting and busy time here at RHS. We just concluded a successful winter season. As busy as the winter season was, we have an even busier spring ahead. We start the month off with a one-session day for students on March 3. Mrs. Gagliardo has been working diligently on NJGPA testing which all 11th graders must take. This (NJGPA) Graduation Proficiency Assessment will take place on March 10 and 11 and March 13 and 14. Information was sent home regarding the detailed schedule and arrival time of non-testing grades. There will be a Career Fair on March 12. Our school musical, Mary Poppins, will be performed on March 14 and 15. The popular Mike Cassidy Shamrock ‘N Run 5K will also take place on the morning of March 15. Many of our students and staff volunteer for this wonderful cause. The REF is sponsoring a Harlem Wizards night on March 19. The most popular Spirit Week will take place during the week of March 24.

March Madness Food and Fun Day hosted by the Rutherford Education Association at Pierrepont School on March 29. The Class of 2026 will be enjoying the Junior Dinner Dance on April 4.

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Creative and Academic Projects for “1984”

Brian Ersalesi — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:43:02 +0000

Mr. Stracco’s Honors English 400 class recently completed their unit on George Orwell’s 1984. As a culminating activity, students designed self-directed projects with corresponding rubrics aligned to NJLSA standards. Each group conducted a comprehensive analysis of the novel, focusing on its plot, themes, symbols, and key quotes. Projects ranged from student videos to newspaper articles, to recreations of scenes to explanations of the novel to the present day. They were the perfect mix of academic and creative!

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RHS Choral Students Perform with All State Treble Choir

Brian Ersalesi — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:33:23 +0000

It was an exciting weekend for two RHS sophomores! Niki Nikolova (10) and Nina Tavani (10) performed with the NJ All State Treble Choir in Atlantic City at the NJMEA Convention and also at NJPAC. They were selected through a rigorous audition process for the opportunity to sing challenging repertoire along with the best choral members in New Jersey!

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RHS Distinguished Graduate

Brian Ersalesi — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:18:14 +0000

The Rutherford High School Distinguished Graduate Award was established in 1990 to recognize a graduate of the high school whose achievements reflect a standard of excellence in his or her chosen field. The achievements of each distinguished graduate will be recognized by Rutherford High School so that the person can be seen by students as a symbol of commitment and excellence to which they can aspire.

Click Here To Download the 2025 Nomination Form

During the initial year of the award, nominations were sought from the high school faculty. In subsequent years, nominations were sought from other school and community groups. Requests were sent to all elementary schools in the town, to more than twenty-five community groups, and to local newspapers. Information about this award is also mentioned at school reunions. As a result, responses have come across the United States; the nominees span many career areas. A simple nomination form is used, which asks that the nominator supply as much background information on the candidate as possible.

The general criteria used in selecting the honoree include the following:

1. Honoree must have graduated from Rutherford High School at least ten years prior to nomination.

2. Honoree’s achievement must reflect significant accomplishment in his or her career. No restrictions are placed on types of careers.

3. Honoree’s outstanding contributions must have achieved national, state, or local recognition.

The selection committee includes the following people: high school principal (chair); supervisor of planning, research and testing; vice president of the student government; social studies supervisor; and National Honor Society advisor. Committee chair receives and responds to nominations, asks for additional information when necessary, and distributes all materials to committee members before a meeting is scheduled to discuss the nominations. After discussion, committee members vote on the nominations to select the honoree.

A permanent recognition plaque in the high school contains the names, career fields, and graduation dates of all honorees. In addition, the honoree visits the high school to address a large group of students. A lunch reception follows, and the honoree will meet with smaller groups, if appropriate. This visit by the inductee is an important part of the project, since students are able to hear directly from someone who shares part of their background and experience.

All nominations will be kept on file, but in order to be considered for the 2025 award, please return this form and all information to CGearity@rutherfordschools.org or Mrs. Carol Gearity, Rutherford High Schoo, 56 Elliott Place, Rutherford, NJ 07070. The deadline for nominations is May 2, 2025.

Click Here To Download the 2025 Nomination Form

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