Please see the final farewell message from Mrs. Heer!
On the last day of school, Rossi Elementary surprised students with the very first Rossi Remix—an impromptu staff and student talent show created as a parting gift from our retiring principal, Mrs. Carmella Heer.
With just a couple of days to rehearse after school, more than ten acts took the stage, including baton twirling, country ballads, a medley from Frozen Jr., powerful solo performances, and more. One of the standout moments came from Mrs. Teresa Jones’ first grade class, who sang “This Girl Is On Fire” with our librarian, Meg Pangburn.
The banner, pulled together with barely any notice, was crafted by the ever-talented Mrs. Dayna Ensminger. Assistant Principal (and next year’s principal) Mrs. Lauren Coia served as emcee, bringing warmth and energy to every act.
The show ended with a history of pop music mashup, compiled by teacher Leanna Stasuk and led by Mrs. Heer herself—who has always encouraged students to “dance it out” no matter how they’re feeling.
It was heartfelt, fun, and full of surprises—everything a good sendoff should be. We hope Rossi Remix becomes a new tradition to close out the school year for years to come.
On Tuesday, our fifth graders took a symbolic leap from elementary school to middle school during their moving up ceremony. This event was sponsored by the Vineland Education Association and we are so grateful for their partnership!
108 Rossi Owls received their certificates of completion, dressed to the nines with smiles as big as their dreams. The ceremony began with the pledge of allegiance, led by captains of the safety patrol, Grace Petrini and Dallas Johnson.
Fifth grader Michael Tonetta introduced his class of fifth graders and issued the sage statement, "Once a Rossi Owl..." to which his class responded "...Always a Rossi Owl."
The specials team awarded the following distinctions to the fifth graders:
Physical Education: Logan Ruymen and Lilibeth Mendoza
Art: Logan Jaindl and Hadassah Garcia Avalos
Music: Michael Tonetta and Olivia Baldwin
Library: Ana Acevedo and Liam Morgan
World Language: Johann Carreon-Morales and Jenesis Brown
Our "Hootie" mascots, Lucas Flores and Aiden Clemente Santiago, were honored for their year long school spirit. Before receiving their recognition, the two mascots dapped each other up in a show of camaraderie and friendship.
We recognized Grace Petrini for her distinction as Giraffe Hero, a district-wide award recognizing students who "stick their necks out" for their school communities. Dallas Johnson was also recognized for clinching the district-wide Junior Chef Competition honor. WISE Ambassadors and WISE Workers stood and were recognized for their contributions to our school community.
And then there was the award winning 2024-2025 safety patrol, proudly presenting their three districtwide honors: Patrol of the Year, Advisor of the Year, and the Sgt. Giolio Giuliani Award presented to co-captain Dallas Johnson.
The following distinctions were recognized, as well:
Perfect Attendance: Kyra Grey and Lucas Flores
Straight A's All Year: Hadassah Garcia Avalos, Isabella Nenasheff, Julianna Baruffi, Lillibeth Mendoza, Zachary Oshenic, Grace Petrini, Olivia Baldwin, Dallas Johnson, Ally Morales, Jonithan Peña, Jenesis Brown, Michael Tonetta, and Liam Morgan.
Highest GPA (Language Arts): Ranisha Maldonado (Bonsall), Jeremiah Pierce-Demary (Carson), Hadassah Garcia Avalos (Rakotz/Burns), Zachary Oshenic (Platt), Dallas Johnson (Cristelli), and Liam Morgan (Alliano).
Highest GPA (Social Studies): Ranisha Maldonado (Bonsall), Chaun Alexander (Carson), Zachary Oshenic (Platt), Olivia Baldwin (Cristelli), and Michael Tonetta (Alliano).
Highest GPA (Math): Carmelo Brown (Bonsall), Chaun Alexander (Carson), Hadassah Garcia Avalos (Rakotz/Burns), Grace Petrini and Zachary Oshenic (Platt), Dallas Johnson (Cristelli), and Liam Morgan and Michael Tonetta (Alliano).
Highest GPA (Science): Ranisha Maldonado (Bonsall), Chaun Alexander (Carson), Hadassah Garcia Avalos and Logan Ruymen (Rakotz/Burns), Grace Petrini (Platt), Dallas Johnson (Cristelli), and Liam Morgan (Alliano).
The Owl-standing Award recognizes one fifth-grade student from each homeroom who consistently demonstrates exceptional character, leadership, and a positive impact on their classroom community. Chosen by their teacher, this student embodies the spirit of excellence that makes our school proud—wise, kind, and always striving to do their best. The following students received that recognition from their teachers: Lillibeth Mendoza (Platt), Johann Carreon Morales (Rakotz), Janasia Chin (Alliano), and Dallas Johnson (Cristelli).
Students then took the opportunity to thank someone special by gifting them with a sunflower, in recognition of that someone special who made life a little easier for them in fifth grade. Parents, teachers, older siblings, and grandparents teared up at the special honor.
Closing remarks were given by fifth grader Heidy Cruz Perez, stating she and her class would equally miss recess and their principal, Mrs. Heer, as they move on to middle school. Marking the final moving up ceremony of her career, fifth graders dedicated one last performance of their parody on NSYNC's "Bye, Bye, Bye" to Mrs. Heer, who was very emotional, but it was unclear if her tears were from moving on to retirement or the fact Justin Timberlake was in fact not coming to see her off.
It was a wonderful year for our fifth grade students and they set the bar high for their successors. They truly reminded their teachers and classmates daily what WISE really means: "We Inspire Someone Every Day".
See the folder for photos of the 2025 Rossi Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony, captured by T&F:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16Xnb8iSFwZtWpIfNB6EBLvFK2BUAKtbd?usp=sharing
Thank you to all of the incredible fathers and father-figures who work hard every day with our Rossi Owls to inspire, nurture, and encourage them to be the very best they can be. Happy Father's Day!
Rossi Owls,
Our last Weekly Reminder for the school year! :
https://www.vineland.org/o/ares/article/1255850
Our kindergartners are so special. Here is a video for you to enjoy. https://vimeo.com/1093155780?share=copy
Please see the attached message Rossi Families
Kindergarten and first grade students and staff pulled off a surprise “Chips’n’Dip Before You Dip” party in honor of Mrs. Heer's upcoming retirement—because if you know Mrs. Heer, you know chips are her FAVORITE snack! There was music, dancing, laughter, and of course… lots of chips and dip! It was a sweet and salty way to honor someone who has made such a difference in so many little lives. Stay tuned for more ways we’ll be celebrating the incredible legacy of Mrs. Heer!
June Calendar
Rossi Parents - please see the attached letter regarding Field Day on 6/4/25
Dear Rossi Staff and Students,
You've all been working so hard and showing such great school spirit—so let’s celebrate!
Starting Tuesday, and for the rest of the school year, you have earned free dress down days every day! Whether you're rocking your favorite t-shirt or comfy sneakers, enjoy a little extra comfort as we wrap up an amazing school year together. No ripped jeans or short shorts!
Thank you for your continued dedication, kindness, and teamwork. Let’s finish strong!
With appreciation,
Mrs. Heer
🎭 Great job to our 5th graders Jacquelyn Casiano and Dallas Johnson for their incredible performances in Beetlejuice Jr. at the Levoy Theatre in Millville! You still have a chance to see the show, today at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. You can also catch Jacquelyn and Dallas in our production of Frozen Jr. on May 28 & 29 at 6:30 pm at Rossi.
