Happy Principals Appreciation Month! We are grateful for our five principals at Glen Rock Public Schools, and the dedication and leadership they bring to our schools each and every day. We appreciate the countless ways you inspire growth, build connections, and create positive, supportive environments where our students, staff, and families can thrive. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference, and we are so fortunate to have you guiding our schools! ❤️🫶🪨🐾 #rockgrnj #PrincipalsAppreciationMonth

After an extensive search process with three rounds of interviews with the Board, community input, and a robust and very successful reference check, the Glen Rock Board of Education is pleased to welcome Dr. Nicholas DeStefano as our next Superintendent of Schools. The Board will vote on a resolution to appoint Dr. DeStefano at its next regular public meeting on Monday, October 26. He will begin working in the District on December 27, 2026. The members of the Glen Rock Board of Education are unanimously impressed with Dr. DeStefano’s record of outstanding leadership, experience, and commitment to educational excellence. You can learn more about Dr. DeStefano on the District website at https://www.glenrocknj.org/article/3210526

Byrd 3rd-5th graders listened to speeches from their peers running for Student Council Secretary, Vice President and President! Their teachers and peers were so impressed by the students’ thoughtful ideas and enthusiasm for making Byrd an even better place for everyone. So proud of these student leaders! 🏅🐧💛 #rockgrnj #studentleaders #studentcouncil #byrdgrps

Connecting third-grade educators district-wide at GRPS! Our elementary supervisor and intervention strategies coaches brought our third-grade team together for an impactful afternoon of collaborative learning. With several new faces joining the grade-level over the last few years, these sessions are designed to build consistency, shared practices, and strong partnerships across all our buildings. From diving into Social Studies inquiry practices (QFT) and observing labsite reading lessons to hands-on co-teaching and unit planning, our teachers were hard at work laying the groundwork for student success. We’re excited to keep this momentum going as we continue growing and learning together! 🤝📖📓3️⃣ #rockgrnj #thirdgradePD

The Glen Rock Board of Education congratulates Mayor Jill Orlich on her appointment. Board members were in attendance last night to show their support and offer their congratulations. The GRBOE looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Borough to support the success and well-being of Glen Rock students! 🪨👏

Byrd, Central, Coleman, and Hamilton hosted their annual RULER Family Night to support social-emotional learning (SEL) and strengthen the connection between home and school. The evening provided families with an opportunity to learn more about the RULER approach and explore strategies to help children Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, and Regulate their emotions. Through this initiative, the district continues to promote emotional well-being, positive relationships, and a supportive school community where all students feel safe, connected, and included! 🫶🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🤝🏫 #rockgrnj #rulerfamilynight

After 25 years of teaching in Glen Rock Public Schools, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School First Grade teacher, Mrs. Keri Holmgren, received an unforgettable surprise! Nominated by Byrd parent Allison Seigle for her extraordinary impact on students and families, Mrs. Holmgren was surprised by Hoda Kotb and selected for an all-expenses-paid wellness retreat through her Joy 101 platform. As her nominator shared, Mrs. Holmgren helps children feel “important, capable, loved, and believed in” — a gift that lasts long after first grade. Mrs. Holmgren traveled to Florida for a weekend of connection, reflection, and renewal, celebrating the same joy and compassion she brings to others every day. We are so grateful to have her as part of our GRPS and Byrd families and proud to see her kindness and dedication recognized in such a special way! ☀️👏💛🎉🌴 Watch Hoda’s heartwarming surprise and hear Mrs. Holmgren’s story on Joy 101's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvNokatcsF4&list=PLbYh7qx7yI28 Read the full article here: https://www.glenrocknj.org/article/3183739 #rockgrnj #byrdschoolGRPS #MrsHolmgren #Joy101 #HodaKotb

Walk to School Day at Byrd Elementary roved to be a wonderful morning to get moving, connect with friends, and show some Byrd pride! Thank you to the Byrd students, families, and staff who joined in for Walk to School Day—it was great to see so many smiling faces! A special thank you to @glenrockpolice for joining the Byrd families and keeping them safe 👟🚲🐧🚓 #rockgrnj #byrdgrps #walktoschoolday

We are proud to announce that all SIX Glen Rock Public Schools have earned Certificates of Commitment from the NJ Department of Education for participating in the Week of Respect and the NJ Goes Gold & Blue Pledge—reaffirming our commitment to preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB), and creating school communities where everyone feels safe, included, and respected. Throughout October 5–9, all of our schools will celebrate kindness, inclusion, and positive choices through activities that bring students, staff, and families together. We look forward to a week, and a school year, filled with kindness and respect! 💙🐾🪨💛 #rockgrnj #weekofrespect #NJgoesgoldandblue

The next Glen Rock Board of Education Regular Meeting is on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 7 p.m. Meeting Agenda and YouTube Live Stream can be found here: https://www.glenrocknj.org/o/grpsd/page/agendas-minutes-meeting-notices #rockgrnj #glenrockboe #grboe #grboemeeting

The Glen Rock Board of Education met with twelve candidates during the first round of Superintendent interviews, held over two nights this past week.

Each interview was engaging and informative, and the Board appreciates the time, commitment, and professionalism demonstrated by all of the candidates we met. Following these interviews, the Board has selected six highly qualified candidates to advance to the second round of interviews, which will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings next week in Executive Session.

The thoughtful input we have received from our stakeholders continues to play an important role in the Board’s decision-making process. We look forward to keeping you informed as we move forward in our search for an exceptional educational leader to serve our community, and, most importantly, our students. Thank you for your continuing support!

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, our Middle School/High School Media Center is featuring a special poster exhibition, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World.”

Developed by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom, the exhibition offers students an opportunity to learn and reflect through a gallery walk experience.

Teachers are invited to bring their classes to the Media Center to explore the exhibition and engage with this important piece of our nation’s history.

A special thank you to Mrs. Jessica Boyle, School Library Media Specialist, and Middle School Social Studies Teachers Ms. Megan McDermott and Ms. Gianna Torielli, for thoughtfully planning and setting up this meaningful display.

Shana Tova! Wishing all who celebrate in the Glen Rock Public Schools community a happy, healthy, and sweet Rosh Hashanah. May the Jewish New Year bring peace, joy, renewal, and many blessings to you and your loved ones.🍎🍯❤️

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, we honor the lives lost and the heroes who emerged in the face of tragedy. We remember the enduring spirit of unity and compassion that followed. We honor, we remember, we never forget. 🇺🇸

A huge thank you to our incredible summer crew and the Byrd HSA for making Richard E. Byrd Elementary even more beautiful! From a freshly painted gym and foyer to new classroom signs, an outdoor sensory walk, and a beautiful mural near the 4th and 5th grade classrooms, so much love and hard work went into making Byrd feel extra special for the start of a new school year. And to top it all off, brand-new landscaping is ready to welcome everyone back!

Happy first day, GRPS! The halls are buzzing, the smiles are back, and a brand-new school year is officially underway! Welcome back, students and staff—looking forward to a great year of learning, growing, and making memories together. Let’s make it our best one yet! 🪨❤️🐾🐧🦅

Here’s to the people who show up, work hard, and make a difference every day. This Labor Day, we’re celebrating the dedication and heart that make our Glen Rock community so special. Enjoy the long weekend, Glen Rock! 🇺🇸☀️👏❤️🪨 #rockgrnj #laborday

After three jam-packed professional learning days, GRPS elementary teachers are officially ready to welcome students next week! This week’s sessions covered Sonday reading instruction for new teachers, cursive handwriting for grades 3–5, best practices in elementary science, and SEL in specialist classrooms. Additionally, our summer curriculum committees met to share all the hard work and updates completed over the break. ✍️🔬❤️🪨🧑‍🏫 #rockgrnj #professionallearning #grpselementaryschools

And just like that… we’re BACK! 🎉

Glen Rock Public Schools kicked off the 2026–2027 school year on Sept. 1 with a special Staff Convocation.

From welcoming new colleagues and celebrating tenured staff to recognizing team members marking 25 years of service, the afternoon was all about the incredible people who make GRPS so amazing. The program, filled with connection, celebration, and recognition included:

👏 A warm welcome from Interim Superintendent, Mr. Kenneth Rota
🎤 A message from Board of Education Trustee, Mr. Ed Hayward
🙌 A celebration of our amazing staff
⭐ And an inspiring presentation from motivational speaker, teacher, and coach, Mr. Jim Stroker

What better way to start a new school year than together? We’re ready, we’re energized, and we can’t wait to welcome our students back!