First college day event held at UGL School

BY ANN GENADER
HEWITT — The first-ever College Day event on Jan. 27 at Upper Greenwood Lake School focused on the theme “College – it is not a dream – it’s a plan.”
Students in kindergarten through grade 6 had the opportunity to hear five people who once were students at Upper Greenwood Lake School tell of their experiences within the West Milford School District and at numerous colleges and universities.
Staff members were recognized with a brief announcement of the college that they attended. Many wore shirts with the name of their Alma Mater.
The guest speakers included Nicolette D’Angelo of Princeton University, Allyson Romer who attends Stony Brook University and Brianna Romer who goes to Ramapo College. Upper Greenwood Lake School physical education instructor Daniel Brophy and art instructor Chelsea Pires also spoke about the path that led them back to the school as teachers.
“It is never too early to ask the question that we all received in our elementary school years – ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’” said Dr. Gregory Matlosz, the school principal. “If we are capable of just getting that conversation started about college and career, I truly believe our students at Upper Greenwood Lake will benefit as they enter Macopin Middle School and our high school. To see former students of Upper Greenwood Lake School and West Milford High School come back and share experiences was a great moment for our staff and student body.”
After the presentation some of the students raised questions that were answered by the speakers. Matlosz stressed that having the students speak about their future education level is important to approach at the foundation level.
School Superintendent Dr. Alex Anemone attended the program. He said this was a wonderful event that truly exemplifies the academic culture in the West Milford Township Public Schools.
“This inclusive event communicates the high expectations that we have for all our children,” he said. “Upper Greenwood Lake students were able to hear from former students currently attending prestigious institutions such as Princeton University. The expectations at Upper Greenwood Lake are that all our children have the capability of attending college and furthering their education once beyond the walls of West Milford Township High School. We will do everything in our power to help them achieve their goals.”