District News
![Excitement is in the air!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756382962/shsdorg/lzc1bwdqmzjmjfqmagjv/2526newhires.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1756382962/shsdorg/lzc1bwdqmzjmjfqmagjv/2526newhires.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1756382962/shsdorg/lzc1bwdqmzjmjfqmagjv/2526newhires.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1756382962/shsdorg/lzc1bwdqmzjmjfqmagjv/2526newhires.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1756382962/shsdorg/lzc1bwdqmzjmjfqmagjv/2526newhires.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1756382962/shsdorg/lzc1bwdqmzjmjfqmagjv/2526newhires.jpg","width":2200}])
Excitement is in the air!
On August 12th and 13th, Dr. Brian Brotschul hosted Review-Preview: An Administrative Retreat for the team of Somerset Hills School District administrators, school leaders, supervisors, and department heads. There were various training opportunities, discussions, and breakout sessions on topics that included: leadership teams, lesson planning software, testing, HIBs, student cell phone usage, climate and culture, a law primer, the FY27 budget and more!
Beginning on August 25th, the district hosted a three-day New Educator Orientation. New staff were warmly welcomed by all SHSD administrators, as well as by SHEA representatives. They received training in areas that included: technology, classroom management, student and staff wellness, lesson planning, Title IX, HIB, Genesis, and more! Time was reserved for school tours which enabled staff to orient themselves to their buildings and to set up their classrooms. Both veteran and new staff are beyond excited for the 2025-2026 school year to begin!
Mr. Scott Wolfe officially took on his role as Principal at Bedwell Elementary School on July 1st. Joining him, Assistant Principal Jasmine Akauola, and the Bedwell staff this school year are: Jennifer Adams, Kindergarten; Diana Heesemann, Nurse; Mercedes Lippert Lozano, Preschool; Claire Lodato, Kindergarten; Gabriela Matos, Special Education; Yarelis Pacheco, Bilingual; Shannon Vitale, Grade 1; Terri Johnson, Art - Leave Replacement; and Deborah Cortigiani, ESL/MLL - Leave Replacement.
Principal Lisa Garofalo and Assistant Principal Keith Koellhoffer have added three new staff members to their Bernardsville Middle School roster: Max Fritsche, English; Ashley Kellett, School Psychologist; and Julie Weinstein, Special Education.
Dr. Scott Neigel, BHS Principal, and his two Assistant Principals Dr. Michael Corbett and Mr. Mike Hoppe greeted the following new staff to Bernards High School: Stephanie Camooso, Spanish; Indira Gonzalez, ESL/MLL; Mark Mason, Special Education; Tyler Nadolny, Physical Education/Health; Joanna Neiss, Biology; Tori Resnick, School Counselor; Rachael Richard, Social Studies; Kristina Rovtar, Art; Maiya Torres, Social Studies; and Julie Blackstock, Permanent Sub.
The District also welcomed a new bus driver, William Paltan, along with BCBA Desiree Noland. Kerry Lucas joined the Maintenance Department in a Leave Replacement role.