Superintendent Spotlight with Dr. Michael Portas

On the latest podcast, Dr. Portas talks with PTHS seniors Caitlin, Emily and Sophia about their experiences as a Pequannock Panther in athletics and beyond. The girls describe what it means to be a strong female athlete and the legacy they hope to pass down to future generations of girls in sports.

Dr. Elissa Scillieri and Ms. Helena Branco are back with Dr. Portas to discuss the proposed construction of an Inclusive playground at North Boulevard School. Traditional playgrounds often overlook preschoolers and neurodiverse children, however this project will create a safe, accessible, and social space for all. To learn how community partners can support this vital investment and for all other information, please see the links below. Informational letter - https://bit.ly/PreKplaygroundinfoletterPress release - https://bit.ly/PreKplaygroundpressContact our donor liaison, George Sous at [email protected]

In this episode, Dr. Portas has an open conversation about the intricacies of school district budgeting with neighboring Superintendents Dr. Brad Siegel (Mountain Lakes School District) and Mrs. Jeanne Howe (Jefferson Township School District).

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, the latest podcast focuses on managing life with diabetes. Dr. Portas has a candid conversation with a district parent, Monica Anderson as well as healthcare educator, Diana O'Keefe. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more about diabetes, this episode has information for everyone.

On this week's podcast, Dr. Portas is joined by four middle school students along with Mr. Raffo to discuss their latest community service project, Pequannock "Uncovered".

Dr. Michael Portas is joined by Alyssa Bellardino, Supervisor of ELA and Media PK-12, and Melissa Barcadepone, NB Reading Specialist, for an informative discussion about our new K-3 Universal screening tool, DIBELS 8. Resources: Results Letter- https://bit.ly/dibelsresultletter DIBELS Q&A- https://bit.ly/dibelsqa DIBELS 8 Tips for Families- https://bit.ly/dibelstips Parent Reflection Form- https://bit.ly/dibelsparentreflection

On the latest podcast, PTHS seniors Bella and Sophia update Dr. Portas on the District promotional video they are creating for their Marketing Capstone class. Stay tuned for the finished product!

The 2026-2027 school year calendar is here! In true NFL schedule release fashion, Dr. Portas takes a look at the newly approved 26-27 calendar with Mr. Hayzler and Miss Blau. They discuss how the calendar is created and point out many important upcoming dates. Mr. Hayzler and Miss Blau also touch on events to look forward to during the upcoming school year.

In this episode, Dr. Portas discusses the educational use of AI with 6 students who are serving on the Pequannock AI Committee. Posted April 8th, 2025.

Dr. Michael Portas and Coach Michael Moschella are joined by Henry Struble, PTHS senior and recipient of the 2025 Super Football Conference Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award. Henry is an accomplished student, athlete and entrepreneur. His company, Bikes By Hank, has donated over $25,000 to local, state and national charities. A total of 114 players were nominated from the 2024 season. Congratulations, Henry!

In this episode, Dr. Portas introduces Mr. David Raffo, the new Assistant Principal of Pequannock Valley Middle School. Mr. Raffo chronicles his background as an educator and how his journey has brought him to Pequannock. He outlines his future aspirations as assistant principal for PV. Welcome, Mr. Raffo! 

Mr. Matt Shea, Chief Technology Officer, is back for an informative podcast with Dr. Portas on AI in education. Mr. Shea shares his involvement in AI not only for our district but at a state level. He outlines major concerns as well as the many benefits this new technology can provide to our school community. A parent university night is forthcoming.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Portas sits down with Mr. Christopher Foglio, Director of Student Services 6-12+, and Mrs. Caitlin Fitzpatrick, School Counselor. They discuss the college application process and share strategies to make the process less overwhelming and more enjoyable for families. They share tips on how students can better prepare themselves for the process and how to ultimately make the best decision. Stay tuned for a follow up podcast focusing on the college application essay! 

Dr. Michael Portas and Dr. Elissa Scillieri hone in on our elementary standards based report cards ahead of the completion of the first trimester. Dr. Scillieri speaks about her role in the development of the standards based report cards, the benefits they provide and how to interpret them.

In this episode, Dr. Portas is joined by the Superintendent of Butler Schools, Dr. Daniel Johnson. Dr. Portas and Dr. Johnson discuss chronic absenteeism, a growing concern which is not only on the rise in New Jersey but around the country. They exchange strategies for districts and families alike to address common barriers that lead to students missing school and ultimately improve attendance.

Join Dr. Portas for Season 2 of The Superintendent Spotlight! In this episode, Dr. Portas sits down with Ann Marie VanSickle, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Pequannock Township School District. Mrs. VanSickle shares her extensive background in education and details how math instruction has evolved throughout the years. She also offers practical tips and advice to help students in their learning journey.

In episode 17, the final podcast episode of the 23-24 school year, Dr. Michael Portas talks about the "Summer Slide" and what students and their families can do to prevent learning loss during the summer break.

In episode 16, Dr. Michael Portas is joined by Pequannock Township High School Student Assistance Counselor (SAC), Mrs. Jennifer Basilone. With over 20 years of experience as a counselor, Mrs. Basilone shares tips for educators and family members to recognize, understand and ultimately prevent substance abuse.

In episode 15, Dr. Michael Portas sits down with Pequannock Township Police Juvenile Detective and School Resource Officer, Bill Juliano. Ptl. Juliano explains his responsibilities as the dedicated Pequannock Township Schools SRO and the integral role he plays in school security. 

In episode 14, Dr. Michael Portas meets with Mrs. Jana Cohen, PTHS Social Studies teacher, PTHS seniors Liam and Thomas, and Dr. Portas' son, Andrew Portas, to discuss their interests in US Government and Politics. 

In episode 13, Dr. Michael Portas joins the students of the Hillview AV Club to talk about their favorite 5th grade moments. They also look ahead to middle school and share what they're most looking forward to. Thanks to Carly, Courtney, Hailey, Jackson J., Jackson R., Lucas, Lucy and Matthew for participating!

In episode 12, Dr. Michael Portas sits down with Mr. Ron Lucas, Director of Security, and Mr. Matt Reiner, Stephen J. Gerace Elementary School principal. Mr. Lucas and Mr. Reiner explain their roles within the greater school security team and how everyone in the community can help to keep our schools safe. 

In episode 11, Dr. Michael Portas is joined by Mrs. Valerie Munro, Media Specialist at Hillview Elementary School. Mrs. Munro reveals that she has spent much of her life at Hillview; as a student, classroom teacher and media specialist. As Hillview turns 60, Mrs. Munro shares what inspired her to plan such a grand celebration for the staff and students.

In episode 10, Dr. Michael Portas is joined by Dr. Daniel O'Keefe, Supervisor of Social Studies, Business and World Language and Mr. Richard Hayzler, Pequannock Township High School Principal, to explain a district goal, the 'A Portrait of a Graduate' project. 

In episode 9, Dr. Michael Portas and Mr. Gordon Gibbs, School Business Administrator, discuss the role of a business administrator and the process of creating a school budget.

In episode 8, Dr. Portas and six senior honors English students delve into one of their latest classroom reads, the book 1984. Adam, Alyssa, Alex, Juliana, Sean and William share what engaged them about the book, the projects they chose to work on in response to the book and how their insights could help shape future assessments. A special thanks to Mrs. Rodriguez and her students!

In episode 7, Dr. Portas is joined by Mr. Edward Kopp, K-12 Supervisor of Science, STEM and Aviation, to uncover what we need to know about the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Mr. Kopp outlines why solar eclipses happen, what the community can expect to see and safe viewing practices. Solar Eclipse Eye Protection Information

In episode 6, Dr. Portas is joined by Mr. John Seborowski, Principal of Pequannock Valley Middle School, to chat about the challenges and rewards that come with juggling the roles of educator, administrator and parent. Mr. Seborowski and Dr. Portas share their perspectives on how being a parent has impacted their job as an administrator and vice versa. 

In episode 5, Dr. Portas sits down with Ms. Emily Ringen, Assistant Principal of Pequannock Valley Middle School, to discuss women in sports. Ms. Ringen describes the positive impact that athletics has had on her personal and professional life.

In episode 4, Dr. Portas is joined by Mrs. Ann Marie Finnen, elementary band teacher, and Mr. Anthony Streifer, Pequannock Township High School Band Director, to discuss the importance of music education. Don't miss a special guest appearance by 12th grade band student, Rafael Fajardo.

In episode 3, Dr. Michael Portas and Pequannock Township High School Principal, Mr. Richard Hayzler, discuss the importance of culture in a school community.

In episode 2, Dr. Portas spends time with our CTO, Mr. Matt Shea, discussing how Pequannock keeps our staff and students safe online. Mr. Shea shares tips and tools for parents as well! Resources: securly.com commonsensemedia.org families.google/familylink/ support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304 nintendo.com/us/switch/parental-controls/

Please join Dr. Michael Portas, Dr. Elissa Scillieri and Ms. Helena Branco as they discuss the PreK program at North Boulevard Elementary School.