Vineland High School athletes welcomed guest speaker Jillian Loyden on November 18. Loyden, a Vineland native and former U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper, returned to speak with students about a topic that extends far beyond athletics.
She shared her family’s story with honesty and compassion, describing the loss of her sister, Britton, and how that tragedy reshaped her life. Loyden explained how it led her to establish the Jillian Loyden Foundation, which works to support young people and raise awareness about domestic violence. Her message encouraged students to trust their instincts, recognize early warning signs, and reach out for help when something feels wrong. She emphasized the importance of looking out for one another and using one’s voice to protect and uplift others.
Before her advocacy work began, Loyden built an extraordinary athletic career. She played soccer at Vineland High School and later became a standout goalkeeper at Villanova University, earning Big East Goalkeeper of the Year honors three times. She went on to play professionally in the WPS and NWSL and represented the United States from 2010 to 2014, earning ten caps and serving on both the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster and the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team.
Her visit left students with more than inspiration. It offered them a deeper understanding of what resilience looks like and how powerful it can be to speak up for themselves and the people around them.
A short news piece will be available to view on our YouTube channel, VLDSchoolsTV, soon.
She shared her family’s story with honesty and compassion, describing the loss of her sister, Britton, and how that tragedy reshaped her life. Loyden explained how it led her to establish the Jillian Loyden Foundation, which works to support young people and raise awareness about domestic violence. Her message encouraged students to trust their instincts, recognize early warning signs, and reach out for help when something feels wrong. She emphasized the importance of looking out for one another and using one’s voice to protect and uplift others.
Before her advocacy work began, Loyden built an extraordinary athletic career. She played soccer at Vineland High School and later became a standout goalkeeper at Villanova University, earning Big East Goalkeeper of the Year honors three times. She went on to play professionally in the WPS and NWSL and represented the United States from 2010 to 2014, earning ten caps and serving on both the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster and the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team.
Her visit left students with more than inspiration. It offered them a deeper understanding of what resilience looks like and how powerful it can be to speak up for themselves and the people around them.
A short news piece will be available to view on our YouTube channel, VLDSchoolsTV, soon.
Wallace Middle School’s eighth graders wrapped up their Holocaust unit this week with a powerful assembly featuring guest speaker Jeff Zeiger, the son of Holocaust survivor Shelley Zeiger. As students completed their social studies lessons on this period in history, they had the chance to hear a personal family story that brought their learning into sharper focus.
Mr. Zeiger spoke about his father’s childhood in Zborov, which was then part of Poland, and how one man’s courage saved six members of his family during the Holocaust. He shared how his father dedicated much of his life to visiting schools and telling this story, and how he continues that mission today by speaking to thousands of students each year. Throughout his presentation, he emphasized three core lessons. He encouraged students to avoid making fun of others for being different. He reminded them that when you choose to do good, good often returns to you. Most importantly, he explained that one person’s actions can make an extraordinary difference.
He also connected his family’s experiences to the challenges students face today, including bullying, prejudice, and the responsibility to treat others with empathy. Students were deeply engaged throughout the presentation, asked thoughtful questions, and spoke with him afterward.
For our eighth graders, the assembly offered meaningful real world context to their Holocaust studies. Hearing about resilience, courage, and compassion from someone carrying his family’s history forward helped students understand why this history remains important and how its lessons can guide the choices they make in their own lives.
Mr. Zeiger spoke about his father’s childhood in Zborov, which was then part of Poland, and how one man’s courage saved six members of his family during the Holocaust. He shared how his father dedicated much of his life to visiting schools and telling this story, and how he continues that mission today by speaking to thousands of students each year. Throughout his presentation, he emphasized three core lessons. He encouraged students to avoid making fun of others for being different. He reminded them that when you choose to do good, good often returns to you. Most importantly, he explained that one person’s actions can make an extraordinary difference.
He also connected his family’s experiences to the challenges students face today, including bullying, prejudice, and the responsibility to treat others with empathy. Students were deeply engaged throughout the presentation, asked thoughtful questions, and spoke with him afterward.
For our eighth graders, the assembly offered meaningful real world context to their Holocaust studies. Hearing about resilience, courage, and compassion from someone carrying his family’s history forward helped students understand why this history remains important and how its lessons can guide the choices they make in their own lives.
On Monday, students in the Deaf Education program at Veterans Memorial had a Zoom meeting with a Deaf Ed class in Paris, France! Students introduced themselves and learned each other's sign names. They shared some things about themselves and practiced their ASL and French! The two classes will continue to meet throughout the year.
Tayke Ledbetter, an 8th-grade student at Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School, was honored with a Certificate of Achievement by Mayor Fanucci on Thursday morning at Vineland City Hall. Tayke was recognized for the recent publication of his first book, The Girl in My House. Congratulations, Tayke!
Congratulations to the Wallace Cat Tech Check (CTC) winners for October. Each week, students can submit a ticket in the Cat Tech Check box in the cafeteria. Tickets are earned when their new Verizon Chromebooks meet all of the “READY” expectations shown below. Weekly winners receive a small prize, and all tickets are saved for a monthly grand prize drawing.
Chromebooks must be READY:
R – Battery at least 80 percent
E – Exterior case free of stickers and writing
A – All keys working, with none missing or broken
D – Display screen with no cracks
Y – Hinges intact and functioning properly
At the end of the month, all submitted tickets are placed into a drawing for a larger prize. The October grand prize was two Regal movie tickets, and Darlene Cano is our Wallace winner!
Chromebooks must be READY:
R – Battery at least 80 percent
E – Exterior case free of stickers and writing
A – All keys working, with none missing or broken
D – Display screen with no cracks
Y – Hinges intact and functioning properly
At the end of the month, all submitted tickets are placed into a drawing for a larger prize. The October grand prize was two Regal movie tickets, and Darlene Cano is our Wallace winner!
After reading a story about a girl’s first violin lesson, Ms. Vera Bojko visited Ms. Lower’s third-grade ESL class at D'Ippolito Elementary School to bring the moment to life. She introduced the students to the violin, showed them how it works, and played a few examples so they could hear the instrument up close. The students were eager to participate and had the chance to try holding and playing the violin themselves. It was a fun and engaging way to connect their reading lesson with a real musical experience.
Mrs. Carberry's advanced Sculpture/Ceramic class has been hard at work creating amazing Alebrijes sculptures and folded textured pumpkins. The students created their Alebrijes after learning about where Alebrijes first originated in Mexico City, originally created by 'cartonero' artist Pedro Linares.
The Sculpture/Ceramics I classes have been busy creating seasonal sculptures using pinch pots, the most ancient form of clay vessels, transforming them into pumpkins and monsters. The students are currently working on slab mug projects.
The Sculpture/Ceramics I classes have been busy creating seasonal sculptures using pinch pots, the most ancient form of clay vessels, transforming them into pumpkins and monsters. The students are currently working on slab mug projects.
As a hands-on culminating activity, students in Miss Musto’s 6th Grade CTE classes at Wallace Middle School were able to practice their skills as future food scientists at the end of their unit on Agriculture. Students wore aprons, hair nets, and food service gloves. Once dressed for food safety, they created a popcorn-flavored treat. They packaged their treat and took it home to share their creation. Students got an extra special treat when Superintendent Llano, who was in the building, POPPED in to join in the activities. Principal Rosado also participated in the fun-filled, flavorful food scientist experience.
Attention Seniors and Legal Guardians: Cap and Gown Orders Are Now Open!
We are excited to announce that the online cap and gown ordering portal is now open for all seniors!
Please place your order by February 2026 to ensure your student receives their cap and gown in time for graduation.
All orders will be delivered directly to VHS!
You can complete your order online at https://bit.ly/4oKAbTY
Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate the Class of 2026!
We are excited to announce that the online cap and gown ordering portal is now open for all seniors!
Please place your order by February 2026 to ensure your student receives their cap and gown in time for graduation.
All orders will be delivered directly to VHS!
You can complete your order online at https://bit.ly/4oKAbTY
Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate the Class of 2026!
Vineland High School has selected its Rowdiest Roosters for the month of October! These students and staff members were voted Rowdy’s Rowdiest Rooster for their outstanding performance and exceptional commitment to the VHS family. The awards are part of the VHS Rock the Roost program, which helps promote good behavior and create a positive school environment.
The winners for October are:
VHS Tanner Building Staff: Margret Whiteway
VHS Asselta Building Staff: Stacey Monteleone
9th Grade: Ester Sbitnieva
10th Grade: Chrystal Johnson
11th Grade: Amor Nicks
12th Grade: Natalys Rios
Congratulations, and great job!
The winners for October are:
VHS Tanner Building Staff: Margret Whiteway
VHS Asselta Building Staff: Stacey Monteleone
9th Grade: Ester Sbitnieva
10th Grade: Chrystal Johnson
11th Grade: Amor Nicks
12th Grade: Natalys Rios
Congratulations, and great job!
Congratulations to the VHS October Dancers of the Month, Maqi Golden and Addison Clark. Both of these dancers bring focus, creativity, and positive attitudes to class each day as well as rehearsals. Their dedication and love for dance shines through in all they do and Ms. Hall is so proud to have them represent our Dance Program!
The Vineland High School Field Hockey team was recognized at the November 10 Board of Education meeting following an outstanding season. The Fighting Clan went undefeated and captured the Cape Atlantic League United Conference title. Coaches and players were commended for their commitment and teamwork throughout the year. Amazing job!
We would like to officially welcome our newest Board of Education member, Luz Vasquez, who was sworn in by Board Solicitor Sandra Graise prior to the Board of Education Combined Meeting on Monday. Mrs. Vasquez will serve the remainder of the year in lieu of Nicholas Fiocchi, who resigned earlier this year.
Vineland Public Schools and the Vineland Board of Education honored members of our district staff who are also veterans in honor of Veterans Day this month. Superintendent Alfonso Llano, when recognizing our veterans, said, “In recognizing our school employees who are also veterans, it is essential to salute their selfless service to our nation and the admirable dedication they bring to our educational community. We are grateful for their sacrifice and leadership, and we are proud to have them as an integral part of our school community.”
Thank you to the Vineland High School AFJROTC for presenting the Colors and the Veterans Memorial School Safety Patrol for leading the flag salute at the November 10 Board of Education meeting! 🇺🇸
Members of Alpha Delta Kappa, Phi Chapter, gathered recently to commemorate the organization’s 50th anniversary, marking a half-century of dedication to education, community service, and lifelong friendship.
The milestone celebration brought together original charter members, longtime educators, and current members of the chapter, honoring the group’s enduring mission to support women in education and to promote altruism, leadership, and world understanding.
During the ceremony, proclamations and letters of congratulations were read from state and federal officials, acknowledging the chapter’s longstanding contributions to schools, students, and local communities.
Guests shared stories and memories of the chapter’s many initiatives through the decades — from scholarship programs and mentoring young educators to organizing service projects, literacy drives, and community outreach events.
As members reflected on five decades of achievement, the celebration served as both a tribute to the past and a renewed commitment to Alpha Delta Kappa’s guiding principles: fostering excellence in education, strengthening bonds of sisterhood, and making a positive difference in the world through compassion and service.
Photo captions:
1. The members of Alpha Delta Kappa, who celebrated at the 50th anniversary event
2. Former presidents of the organization who were in attendance
3. Founding member - Marie Adair, Current President - Tammy Monaghan , Founding member - Joanne Gittone
4. Longtime member-Peggy Dagostino
5. Longtime, member and heart of phi chapter-Diane Mazzei
The milestone celebration brought together original charter members, longtime educators, and current members of the chapter, honoring the group’s enduring mission to support women in education and to promote altruism, leadership, and world understanding.
During the ceremony, proclamations and letters of congratulations were read from state and federal officials, acknowledging the chapter’s longstanding contributions to schools, students, and local communities.
Guests shared stories and memories of the chapter’s many initiatives through the decades — from scholarship programs and mentoring young educators to organizing service projects, literacy drives, and community outreach events.
As members reflected on five decades of achievement, the celebration served as both a tribute to the past and a renewed commitment to Alpha Delta Kappa’s guiding principles: fostering excellence in education, strengthening bonds of sisterhood, and making a positive difference in the world through compassion and service.
Photo captions:
1. The members of Alpha Delta Kappa, who celebrated at the 50th anniversary event
2. Former presidents of the organization who were in attendance
3. Founding member - Marie Adair, Current President - Tammy Monaghan , Founding member - Joanne Gittone
4. Longtime member-Peggy Dagostino
5. Longtime, member and heart of phi chapter-Diane Mazzei
On October 27th, Veterans Memorial School proudly kicked off Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and its devastating effects on communities across America. Throughout the week, students and staff showed their support by dressing up to match each day’s theme and promoting healthy, drug-free choices.
Monday: VMS wore red to honor the sacrifices made by those fighting the war on drugs.
Tuesday: Pajama Day reminded everyone to “Wake up! Drugs are dangerous!”
Wednesday: Students and staff went “drug-free through the decades” with outfits inspired by different time periods.
Thursday: VMS proved that “being drug-free is no sweat” by sporting comfy sweat suits and athletic wear.
Friday: The week wrapped up with a spirited show of unity as everyone “teamed up against drugs” by wearing their favorite team shirts and jerseys.
It was a fun and meaningful week filled with school spirit and a powerful message—stay healthy, stay strong, and stay drug-free!
Monday: VMS wore red to honor the sacrifices made by those fighting the war on drugs.
Tuesday: Pajama Day reminded everyone to “Wake up! Drugs are dangerous!”
Wednesday: Students and staff went “drug-free through the decades” with outfits inspired by different time periods.
Thursday: VMS proved that “being drug-free is no sweat” by sporting comfy sweat suits and athletic wear.
Friday: The week wrapped up with a spirited show of unity as everyone “teamed up against drugs” by wearing their favorite team shirts and jerseys.
It was a fun and meaningful week filled with school spirit and a powerful message—stay healthy, stay strong, and stay drug-free!
The Veterans Memorial School Media Center would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Assistant Principal, Ms. Dorothy Burke, for her generous donation of books. Each title focuses on the inspiring stories of canine veterans who have served alongside our armed forces.
These books will be a wonderful addition to our library collection, offering students meaningful reads not only during our Veterans Day observance but throughout the entire year. We truly appreciate Ms. Burke’s thoughtfulness and support of our school community.
These books will be a wonderful addition to our library collection, offering students meaningful reads not only during our Veterans Day observance but throughout the entire year. We truly appreciate Ms. Burke’s thoughtfulness and support of our school community.
The 7th graders at Veterans Memorial Middle School honored our nation’s military branches in recognition of Veterans Day. Each student selected one branch of the military to research and created an informative poster highlighting details such as the branch’s motto, mission, and purpose.
These posters were proudly displayed during our Veterans Day celebration on Monday, November 10th. Following the ceremony, attending veterans had the opportunity to view the students’ work and enjoy refreshments in their honor.
We are proud of our students for their efforts to show appreciation for those who have served our country.
These posters were proudly displayed during our Veterans Day celebration on Monday, November 10th. Following the ceremony, attending veterans had the opportunity to view the students’ work and enjoy refreshments in their honor.
We are proud of our students for their efforts to show appreciation for those who have served our country.
Breakfast + life skills = success! Students in Mrs. Diorio’s class asked, signed, and created their own breakfast sandwich on November 3. 🥪💬
