Happy Holidays to all of our staff, families, and students. We hope you have a wonderful break and can't wait to see everyone again on January 5!
The holiday season came alive once again thanks to the incredible dedication of the Vineland Fire Station 2 (South Vineland Volunteer Fire Company) and their ongoing partnership with Veterans Memorial School.
For the fourth consecutive year, Robert Cresci and the South Vineland Volunteer Fire Company teamed up with the VMS counseling department crisis team to sponsor a Memorial School family, making the holidays truly unforgettable. Their commitment goes far beyond generosity. These dedicated volunteer firefighters and their spouses worked tirelessly to purchase, wrap, and deliver thoughtful gifts to ensure the entire family felt the magic of the season.
With five fire trucks lighting up the neighborhood, including a vintage 1931 Buffalo fire truck, the arrival alone brought excitement to the family. As the lighted trucks rolled in, gifts were delivered, creating a moment filled with joy, smiles, and unforgettable memories for the children.
This remarkable partnership continues to shine as an example of what happens when a school and its community come together with heart and purpose. Veterans Memorial School is proud to celebrate the South Vineland Volunteer Fire Company for consistently going above and beyond to spread hope, happiness, and holiday cheer throughout our community.
For the fourth consecutive year, Robert Cresci and the South Vineland Volunteer Fire Company teamed up with the VMS counseling department crisis team to sponsor a Memorial School family, making the holidays truly unforgettable. Their commitment goes far beyond generosity. These dedicated volunteer firefighters and their spouses worked tirelessly to purchase, wrap, and deliver thoughtful gifts to ensure the entire family felt the magic of the season.
With five fire trucks lighting up the neighborhood, including a vintage 1931 Buffalo fire truck, the arrival alone brought excitement to the family. As the lighted trucks rolled in, gifts were delivered, creating a moment filled with joy, smiles, and unforgettable memories for the children.
This remarkable partnership continues to shine as an example of what happens when a school and its community come together with heart and purpose. Veterans Memorial School is proud to celebrate the South Vineland Volunteer Fire Company for consistently going above and beyond to spread hope, happiness, and holiday cheer throughout our community.
Students of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Club at Vineland High School hosted a holiday mixer during the week of December 15th. They visited classrooms in the Asselta Building, serving our Rising Stars in grades 9 through 12. CEC members collaborated with students from Mrs. Smith’s, Mrs. Giovinazzi’s, Mrs. Lank’s, Ms. Atkinson’s, Mr. Panichelli’s, and Mr. Lonergan’s classes to create festive artwork, tracing hands and feet to make Rudolph reindeer and designing a classroom Christmas tree.
CEC students also supported a hands-on cooking lesson in the RISE Kitchen, assisting students from Mrs. Hirleman’s class with making waffles.
To conclude the celebrations, CEC students joined RISE and Rising Stars students on Wednesday, December 23rd, for the program’s second annual Jingle Mingle. The event featured bingo, special holiday treats, socializing, karaoke singing, and a friendly competition in which students voted for the best classroom tree.
CEC students also supported a hands-on cooking lesson in the RISE Kitchen, assisting students from Mrs. Hirleman’s class with making waffles.
To conclude the celebrations, CEC students joined RISE and Rising Stars students on Wednesday, December 23rd, for the program’s second annual Jingle Mingle. The event featured bingo, special holiday treats, socializing, karaoke singing, and a friendly competition in which students voted for the best classroom tree.
Mrs. Carberry's Ceramic/Sculpture students at Vineland High School have been busy little elves this holiday season by creating some amazing works of art! Her advanced class even made time to turn themselves into Peanuts characters that even Snoopy would be proud of to brighten up the hallway.
The Gloria M. Sabater Safety Patrol visited the Spring Oaks Assisted Living facility on December 15, 2025, as part of our annual patrol tradition. This visit is always one of the most meaningful experiences for our students.
Ms. Zyckowski and Mr. Smith, the patrol’s co-advisors, truly cherish this opportunity each year. Volunteering at an assisted living facility allows our students to bring companionship and joy to the residents while learning invaluable lessons about empathy, kindness, and service. These visits help combat loneliness, lift spirits, and create genuine connections across generations.
This year, our patrol members spent time sitting with residents, coloring, building gingerbread houses, enjoying milk and cookies, and engaging in wonderful conversations. Watching our students interact with such care and respect made us incredibly proud.
We are so thankful to Spring Oaks for welcoming us so warmly, and we already look forward to returning next year with a new group of students to continue this special tradition.
Ms. Zyckowski and Mr. Smith, the patrol’s co-advisors, truly cherish this opportunity each year. Volunteering at an assisted living facility allows our students to bring companionship and joy to the residents while learning invaluable lessons about empathy, kindness, and service. These visits help combat loneliness, lift spirits, and create genuine connections across generations.
This year, our patrol members spent time sitting with residents, coloring, building gingerbread houses, enjoying milk and cookies, and engaging in wonderful conversations. Watching our students interact with such care and respect made us incredibly proud.
We are so thankful to Spring Oaks for welcoming us so warmly, and we already look forward to returning next year with a new group of students to continue this special tradition.
The VHS December Dancers of the Month are Advanced Dancer, Jaenelyz Gomez, and Dance 2 Student, Solon Colon Alvarez!
As a Dance Captain, Jaenelyz leads with kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support for every member of the company. Her positive energy lifts peers during rehearsals, she gives thoughtful feedback, and she models professionalism. She has grown into a confident senior leader today with incredible dedication to the VHS Dance program. Thank you for leading from the heart, Jae!
Sol is always hardworking and consistently positive; she brings dedication and enthusiasm to every rehearsal. She radiates pure joy! Her focused effort, dependable attitude, and willingness to support classmates makes her a joy to teach and an inspiration to peers. Well done — keep shining!
As a Dance Captain, Jaenelyz leads with kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support for every member of the company. Her positive energy lifts peers during rehearsals, she gives thoughtful feedback, and she models professionalism. She has grown into a confident senior leader today with incredible dedication to the VHS Dance program. Thank you for leading from the heart, Jae!
Sol is always hardworking and consistently positive; she brings dedication and enthusiasm to every rehearsal. She radiates pure joy! Her focused effort, dependable attitude, and willingness to support classmates makes her a joy to teach and an inspiration to peers. Well done — keep shining!
Mrs. Myerson’s first grade class at Mennies School had a very special visitor on Friday! They were excited to welcome Mrs. Jaclyn Mongelluzzo, principal of Veterans Memorial Middle School—and a published author—who came to read her book "Santa’s Secret".
Before the reading, students shared predictions about what they thought Santa’s secret might be, then listened closely as Mrs. Mongelluzzo brought the story to life.
It was a wonderful holiday treat and a memorable experience for our first graders. Thank you, Mrs. Mongelluzzo, for sharing your story with us!
Before the reading, students shared predictions about what they thought Santa’s secret might be, then listened closely as Mrs. Mongelluzzo brought the story to life.
It was a wonderful holiday treat and a memorable experience for our first graders. Thank you, Mrs. Mongelluzzo, for sharing your story with us!
First grade students at Mennies School were treated to a magical holiday surprise! When they entered the Mennies library, they were greeted by a sea of mysterious red bags. After an excited countdown, each child opened their bag to discover a special holiday buddy and a brand-new book!
These books and buddies were purchased through the Kohl’s Cares Program, where 100% of net profits support the well-being of families. Thanks to the incredible generosity of friends and families of our Mennies first grade teachers, every first grader received a gift!
We are so grateful for our donors—their kindness put a big smile on every student’s face!
These books and buddies were purchased through the Kohl’s Cares Program, where 100% of net profits support the well-being of families. Thanks to the incredible generosity of friends and families of our Mennies first grade teachers, every first grader received a gift!
We are so grateful for our donors—their kindness put a big smile on every student’s face!
D'Ippolito students just completed their Ninth Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive, and they collected 203 pairs of pajamas.
Only brand new pajamas were collected in all sizes from newborn through adult from 11/3-12/5. The pajama drive is organized in partnership with Beyond Bedtime, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting a comforting bedtime routine for children affected by instability in order to help them thrive. For every pair of pajamas that was collected, Scholastic Book Clubs donated a brand-new book. This year, D'Ippolito's donation was given to The Cape May County Council for Young Children, located in Cape May Courthouse, NJ.
Our students and staff are so proud to make this donation to help kids in need. Students who donated a new pair of pajamas are able to wear their own pjs to school on Tuesday, December 23rd, as a reward for their generous gifts.
Only brand new pajamas were collected in all sizes from newborn through adult from 11/3-12/5. The pajama drive is organized in partnership with Beyond Bedtime, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting a comforting bedtime routine for children affected by instability in order to help them thrive. For every pair of pajamas that was collected, Scholastic Book Clubs donated a brand-new book. This year, D'Ippolito's donation was given to The Cape May County Council for Young Children, located in Cape May Courthouse, NJ.
Our students and staff are so proud to make this donation to help kids in need. Students who donated a new pair of pajamas are able to wear their own pjs to school on Tuesday, December 23rd, as a reward for their generous gifts.
Petway Elementary Safety Patrol truly embraced the spirit of the season by spreading kindness and joy throughout their school and community. As part of a festive holiday initiative with the Non-Profit Group, People Not Profit, students organized and participated in a toy drive, collecting gifts to help bring smiles to children and families in need. Their generosity and teamwork reflected the true meaning of giving during the holidays.
The celebration continued as students stepped up to help serve breakfast to families during a special holiday event held over the weekend at Winslow Elementary School. With cheerful attitudes and helping hands, they welcomed families as they enjoyed a warm meal. The morning was made even more magical as families had the opportunity to visit with Santa, meet Cole the Deaf dog and his sidekick Sully, receive a haircut, and make crafts.
Through their compassion, service, and holiday spirit, the Petway Elementary Safety Patrol showed that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference—making this season brighter for everyone involved.
The celebration continued as students stepped up to help serve breakfast to families during a special holiday event held over the weekend at Winslow Elementary School. With cheerful attitudes and helping hands, they welcomed families as they enjoyed a warm meal. The morning was made even more magical as families had the opportunity to visit with Santa, meet Cole the Deaf dog and his sidekick Sully, receive a haircut, and make crafts.
Through their compassion, service, and holiday spirit, the Petway Elementary Safety Patrol showed that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference—making this season brighter for everyone involved.
Come out and support the Vineland High School Art Club on Tuesday, January 27, for a Winter Paint & Pizza Night! See the attached flyer for more details.
This holiday season, Luna Soul & Bowls–Vineland teamed up with the Vineland High School Track & Cross-Country Team and created the “Adopt a Grandparent” program, spreading holiday cheer to residents of Autumn Lake Nursing Home.
Student-athletes generously volunteered their time and creativity, decorating each of the 100 gift bags with care and festive spirit. While working, the team enjoyed nourishing bowls, hot oatmeal, and smoothies provided by Luna Soul & Bowls, turning the evening into a warm and joyful gathering centered around giving back.
The gift bags were delivered on December 18th, just in time for Autumn Lake’s Holiday Party, where they helped bring smiles, comfort, and a little extra holiday magic to the residents. The collaboration was a reminder that when a community comes together, especially its young people, kindness goes a long way.
Student-athletes generously volunteered their time and creativity, decorating each of the 100 gift bags with care and festive spirit. While working, the team enjoyed nourishing bowls, hot oatmeal, and smoothies provided by Luna Soul & Bowls, turning the evening into a warm and joyful gathering centered around giving back.
The gift bags were delivered on December 18th, just in time for Autumn Lake’s Holiday Party, where they helped bring smiles, comfort, and a little extra holiday magic to the residents. The collaboration was a reminder that when a community comes together, especially its young people, kindness goes a long way.
Joseph Uebelacker, a 5th grade student at Petway School, wanted to make the holidays a little merrier for others this year. Inspired by the spirit of giving, he organized a collection of hot chocolate packets and marshmallows, hoping to spread warmth and kindness throughout his community. Thanks to his dedication and the generosity of those who contributed, Joseph was able to donate these cozy treats to more than 100 local families, showing how one student’s kindness can bring joy to so many during the holiday season.
Just a reminder of our upcoming schedule:
Tuesday, December 23, 2025: Abbreviated (half day) for all schools
Wednesday, December 24, 2025-January 2, 2026: All schools and district offices closed for winter break.
Normal schedules will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
School hours can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/3XQsgsp
Tuesday, December 23, 2025: Abbreviated (half day) for all schools
Wednesday, December 24, 2025-January 2, 2026: All schools and district offices closed for winter break.
Normal schedules will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
School hours can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/3XQsgsp
Students in Miss Welden and Ms. Franco’s 7th-grade ELA classes at Pilla Middle School had the distinct pleasure of learning about the restaurant business from local entrepreneur Rob Johnson. Mr. Johnson, the owner/operator of the Got Pizza Mobile Unit and former owner of Pizza Queen, visited the students to discuss serving the community as future business leaders. Johnson shared his story along with his book and merchandise with the students. Mr. Rob helped the students complete an activity where they planned, promoted, and opened a pizzeria for a day. The students were excited for the visit because it prepared them for their Restaurant Challenge PBL in the Wellness Unit.
Gabby Hunter, an 11th-grade student enrolled in Graphic Design 3, was selected as the winner of the CTE School Store Logo Contest. Gabby’s design stood out for its ability to represent the wide range of CTE programs offered at Vineland High School while effectively marketing the school store.
When asked what inspired her design, Gabby shared, “I wanted the logo to showcase all of the CTE classes offered as well as market the school store.”
The project was completed over the course of one week, during which Gabby developed three distinct logo concepts before refining her final design.
Reflecting on the experience, Gabby said, “I liked that it was a competition because it motivated me to do my best. I enjoyed the ideation process as well as classroom critique.”
Congratulations to Gabby on this outstanding achievement and her continued success in the Graphic Design program.
When asked what inspired her design, Gabby shared, “I wanted the logo to showcase all of the CTE classes offered as well as market the school store.”
The project was completed over the course of one week, during which Gabby developed three distinct logo concepts before refining her final design.
Reflecting on the experience, Gabby said, “I liked that it was a competition because it motivated me to do my best. I enjoyed the ideation process as well as classroom critique.”
Congratulations to Gabby on this outstanding achievement and her continued success in the Graphic Design program.
JAG and RISE students from Vineland High School volunteered at Vineland Salvation Army to help distribute toys, food, and turkeys to people in need. Students volunteer each year over the holidays to help out. Thank you for your generous donation of time!
The Vineland High School Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) students attended the annual NJ JAG Leadership Development Conference with 18 other JAG programs at Rider University. Students participated in workshops for leadership skills with other JAG NJ programs from around the state.
VHS assistant principal Mr. Hall with some of our amazing choir students! Last evening's concert will be available to view on our YouTube channel soon. Come out tomorrow, December 18, and watch our instrumental students take the stage at 6:30pm!
Enjoy a Sixers game and support VHS!
