JUNE 13, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
38
CLIMATE SURVEY: DIVERSITY, SAFE SPACES BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
PASCACK VALLEY REGIONAL
Increasing opportunities for social and emotional learning, improving student-staff relationships, and enhancing diversity by including new content into school curriculum, such as LGBTQ+ history, were some of the recommendations heard at the June 6 Pascack Valley Regional High School District school board meeting. The board took no action on the recommendations presented following a report on the districtʼs recent school climate survey. Dr. Mark Russo, district supervisor of diversity, equity and
inclusion, presented the results of the high schoolsʼ climate survey, along with two high school students from Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley, who presented recommendations based on survey findings. The school climate survey, Russo previously said, was mainly used to help shape ongoing efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the regional high schools. He said, “My hope is that some of these recommendations weʼve just heard will help all of our students, and groups of students, flourish and thrive.” During public comment, Pascack Hills Senior Rebecca Cohen said though she believed it was a
law to teach LGBTQ+ history in New Jersey now, she did not learn anything about LGBTQ+ history. She suggested incorporating more topics about “race, gender, sexuality, everything like that it would make (for) a more enriched environment for the classroom.” She said this could help “in making more identities seen and heard.” Trustee Kelly Blundy, Woodcliff Lake, praised the students who presented recommendations, noting “wellness is very near and dear to my heart.” She said she would like to meet with them to get specific details about the climate survey. She said the survey raised topics such as coping skills, conflict resolution, trauma resolu-
tion, and working through difficulties and becoming stronger. She said “maybe we have classes on how to get out of your comfort zone” and noted she had moved to two different middle schools as a youngster, and that may have helped her handle things better. She told Russo that she “would love to be more involved with this.” Trustee Michael Weaver, Montvale, said the survey data was well-presented and noted related work is happening with students and administrators in high schools. “But I donʼt know if we as a board have done the necessary work in this area over the past
OBITUARIES
Teresa M. LATICI
ter Josephine Adintori. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Donald; her daughter Mary Azzolina, husband Paul, and granddaughter MaryAlice; her daughter Gayla Latici; and son Christopher Latici; sister Mary Ann Grygorcewicz and brotherin-law Chester; along with many nieces and nephews. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Tuesday, June 7. A Mass celebrating Teresaʼs life and faith was be held at R.C. Church Of The Presentation in Upper Saddle River on Wednesday, June 8 with private cremation following. Memorial contributions can be made in Teresaʼs name to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital.
Teresa M. Latici, 85, of Montvale, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., Teresa attended the of University Connecticut where she earned her bachelorʼs and masterʼs degrees in education. She was a high school English and history teacher for many years in public and parochial schools in Connecticut and New Jersey. Teresa was very active in her faith, serving as a Eucharistic minister. She was also very involved in Cursillo and as a member of several prayer communities. She enjoyed playing tennis, birdwatching, NYC opera, Broadway thePeter atre, and spending her summers HAUSCH vacationing in Cape Cod, Mass. Peter Hausch, 84, of Westand Harvey Cedars, New Jersey. Teresa is predeceased by her wood, passed away on Sunday, parents, Anthony and Rose June 5, 2022. Born in Somerville, DiNuzzo; brother James; and sis- he resided in Westwood for the
past 75 years. Peter graduated from Westwood High School in 1956, then served in the United States Air Force, July 1956 through July 1960. After his service, Peter joined the the New Jersey State Police, where he served for 30 years and in 1991 retired as captain. He is predeceased by his parents, Peter and Anne Hausch, and sister, Patricia Mitchell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Janet; his children Anne (Robert) Kelly, Jackie (Tom) Villano, Mike (Michele) Hausch, Carol (Dieter) Wegner, Don (Erica) Hausch, Diane (George) Brahm, and Peter (Alex) Hausch; 22 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Peter enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, trips to Atlantic City and, most of all, spending time with his family. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kin-
WESTWOOD CEMETERY CO.
derkamack Road. Westwood on Tuesday, June 7. A celebration of Peterʼs life and faith was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 8. Interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.
Brian DUFFY
Brian Duffy passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022, at his home in River Vale. Beloved husband, for 60 years, to Maura Duffy. Devoted father to Deirdre, Colleen, Thomas, and Tara. Brother to Catherine. Grandfather to Maeve, Sophia, Amelia, Keira, Cathal, and Theo. Born on April 30, 1939, in East Harlem, N.Y., Brian lived in Closter for 44 years before moving to River Vale in 2013. Brianʼs career as a CPA in Manhattan spanned 55 years. He retired from PKD OʼConnor Davies in 2016. His many friends and colleagues were invited to attend a memorial gathering on Wednesday, June 8. A Mass celebrating Brianʼs life was held on Thursday, June 9 at St. Pius X R.C. Church in Old Tappan, followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimerʼs FounAmerica dation of (www.alzfdn.org).
Arno SIREL
Choice in-ground and new mausoleum sites available COMPARE OUR PRICES! Veteranʼs Discount Available 23 S. Kinderkamack Road, Westwood NJ 201-664-7161
Arno Sirel, 76, of Woodcliff Lake passed away suddenly on May 21, 2022. He was born in Estonia on Jan. 11, 1946 to Helmi (née Pillau) and August Sirel. Beloved husband of the late Carol (née Gondek) Sirel. Brother of Lida, Raul, and the late John. Brother-in-law of the
year,” he said, noting he was uncertain when the boardʼs Equity Committee had met since last summer. Weaver questioned at what point trustees would take the recommendations “and do something about it.” He noted “it would be nice to know how we as a board can support that work.” Some Pascack Hills recommendations focused on social and emotional learning and diversity. To enhance diversity, a student committee called for more diverse representation as well as student choice in class content. — Thereʼs much more! Read the whole story at PascackPress.com! Then sound off in Letters!
late Francine (George) Bellinghiere, the late Danny (Alice) Gondek, Randy (Linda) Gondek, Susan (Bruce) Brown, Brian (Lori) Gondek and Bruce (the late Susan) Gondek. Cousin of Reet Hayden. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Arno served in the United States Army and operated a thriving landscape company, A&D Landscaping Inc., as well as a professional tree service, Tree Time. He was well regarded in the community and will be missed by so many. Funeral services were private. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge. rsfhi.com
Alex T. CERRATO
Alex T. Cerrato, 89, of Park Ridge passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane Cerrato (née Cambria) of 60 years and their children Alex Cerrato and his wife, Beth, and Connie Amicucci and her husband, John. He is predeceased by his daughter Rosemarie Vasoll. He was the cherished grandpa of John Alex Amicucci and his fiance, Erin; Harrison Amicucci; Jannal Vasoll; Luke Amicucci; Ben Cerrato; and Cole Cerrato. A veteran, he proudly served his country in the Korean War. Alex was a softball umpire for 45 years. A love of his was to coach young athletes, beginning with his own children, then his grandchildren, and lastly with the Park Ridge Recreation football Owls. Visitation was Sunday June 5 and Monday, June 6 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge with funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 7 at the Roman Catholic Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, srfcure.org.
