School staffers in the cafeteria on Feb. 9, where Principal Karen Russo delivered the news of Pleasant Valley’s distinction.
Pleasant Valley School is one to watch.
The distinction is the second earned by the school and comes from the New Jersey Schools to Watch organization, which is also national. It considers a school’s character, academic achievements and student input – among other components – and winners are recognized across the state.
The school to watch honor focuses primarily on institutions with middle-school grades, sixth, seventh and eighth; Pleasant Valley offers sixth grade.
The process of gaining the distinction began in December, when representatives from New Jersey Schools to Watch observed classes and interviewed staffers, parents and administrators. Principal Karen Russo got the good news on Feb. 2.
“We have the academic excellence and achievement and character development, and all of the things to make our students grow and learn, because of our staff and our administrative teams and our families,” she said. “I’m shocked and I’m thrilled. This is my fourth year here as an administrator, and as I see our teachers, they absolutely deserve this award.”
A breakfast banquet was held in the school’s cafeteria to deliver the news to teachers and staff, a secret until the announcement. Pleasant Valley’s first distinction was earned in 2017 under then-principal Lisa Heenan.
“I think number one, was making sure that student voices were included,” Russo explained. “We changed a lot of things, and we had cards (on which) the students put what they want for each box. Another big one is having my teachers lead. That wasn’t one of the things, unfortunately, when I first started.”
Among teacher initiatives is a night to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
Among those celebrating Pleasant Valley’s distinction was Sherry McAteer, a member of the school’s parents committee, whose kids are also students there.
“They care about every single individual child,” she noted of the school. “They push kids to be the best that they can be, character wise and in academics. There are tons of after-school activities. There’s a place for every child here for sure.
“I was really excited for them (the teachers). I think they earned it.”
Harrison school district Superintendent Missy Peretti praised the collaboration between Pleasant Valley and the district.
“They just don’t wait,” she explained. “When they get a chance, they use a concept as an opportunity to grow, and the teachers try to be a role model for the students.”
Russo noted that Pleasant Valley will commit to the work that made it a school to watch. Its administrators are expected to attend a June conference in Washington, D.C., to present school projects.
