JCHS is filled with school spirit from teachers to students. Tons of our teachers were former students in the same classrooms that you learn in today.
Four teachers were interviewed about their time at JCHS and told their stories of their time in high school.
The first teacher that was interviewed was Señora Bergmann.
Señora Bergmann, currently a Spanish teacher, graduated from JCHS in 2000. Since she was a student, the greatest change is block scheduling. One thing that has remained consistent is that teachers are still extremely invested in their students and helping them succeed to the best of their abilities.
Señora Bergmann’s favorite JCHS tradition was celebrating Mole Day where they would go to breakfast at the Pancake House at 6:00am and pledge to the Mole at 6:02am. (For the uninitiated: Mole Day is celebrated annually on October 23 from 6:02 a.m. to 6:02 p.m., Mole Day commemorates Avogadro’s Number (6.02 x 10^23), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry. Mole Day was created as a way to foster interest in chemistry. Schools throughout the United States and around the world celebrate Mole Day with various activities related to chemistry and/or moles” (LexSchools.org). Her favorite high school memory was the New Year’s Eve semi-formal dance.
Ms. Foster, who was Señora Bergmann’s Spanish III teacher, had the greatest impact on her.
The second teacher that was interviewed was Miss Grace.
Miss Grace, who is currently a history teacher, graduated from JCHS in 2016. Since she was a student, the biggest change is students carrying around their backpacks and not using lockers. Something that has remained the same is the support system that teachers continue to provide to their students.
Miss Grace’s favorite tradition was the ducks in the courtyard and being able to watch them. Her favorite high school memories are the ones spent with her friends.
The third teacher that was interviewed was Mr. Huff
Mr. Huff, who is currently a Health and PE teacher, graduated from JCHS in 2004. Mr. Huff stated that the biggest difference is that there are more classes offered for students. Most things stayed the same socially with pep rallies and student attendance at sporting events.
Mr. Huff’s favorite tradition is the Caldwell Chief mascot as it is something that he takes great pride in. His favorite high school memory is spending time with his friends both inside and outside of school, along with the sporting events that he participated in.
Mrs. Longo, who was his Health and Physical Education teacher, left the greatest impact on him and inspired him to become a health and PE teacher.
The fourth teacher interviewed was Miss McNamara.
Miss. McNamara, who is currently a science and math teacher, graduated from JCHS in 2015. The biggest difference is that they did not have Genesis during her time as a student, where report cards were mailed to their houses. Most teachers who taught her are now her colleagues.
Her favorite JCHS traditions were pep rallies and spirit week because everyone would participate. Her favorite high school memory was doing bake off competitions with Ms. Baut and Dr. Barnes’ class!
The teacher that left the greatest impact on her was Ms. Baut, who is still an English teacher at our school!
The fifth teacher interviewed was Mr. McLaughlin.
Mr. McLaughlin, currently a US History teacher, graduated from JCHS in 2006. Since he attended as a student, the most significant change is that students in today’s world often feel obligated to live their lives on display due to the rise in technology and social media. Something that has stayed the same is students are often looking out for one another, even faculty members!
Mr. McLaughlin’s favorite JCHS tradition is the effort that students put into doing the absolute best they can to succeed. His favorite high school memory was the Boys Lacrosse Team winning over Rumson in 2006, as it left the entire team ecstatic.
Mr. McLaughlin stated that Mr. Kotlewski and Mrs. Hollman had a huge impact on his development on who he is as a teacher, and inspired him to take part in the History Department. Mr. Timan is his biggest inspiration as a coach, and he took a lot of the information he received from him as an athlete when he was a coach at his previous school!
