The student internship program took center stage, celebrated for its growth and impact on student career readiness. Initially catering to special education students, the program has been expanded to include all students, with participation increasing from 20 to nearly 200 students. The program’s coordinators shared success stories, including that of a student named Sue, who, after realizing a nursing career wasn’t for her, pivoted to culinary arts. Personal testimonials from students like Nick Narian and Eli underscored the program’s significance. Nick described his medical internship as transformative, providing real-world experience that reaffirmed his nursing aspirations. Eli echoed the benefits, highlighting the networking opportunities and practical exposure gained during his internship.

The program emphasizes career exploration and professional skill development. Students apply with resumes and cover letters, preparing for future career pursuits. A team of mentors, including a “Matchmaker,” ensures thoughtful pairing of students with businesses. The program offers internship opportunities both in the morning and afternoon, accommodating students with after-school commitments. Mentors like Irene Ma emphasized the importance of teaching students about the realities of the business world, fostering confidence and professional growth.

While celebrating the program’s success, the board addressed challenges such as transportation limitations for students traveling to internship sites. The discussion also touched on grading structures and their impact on GPAs, with mentor evaluations contributing to students’ semester grades. Despite concerns, students participating in internships have successfully gained admission to prestigious colleges.

Alongside the internship program, the meeting acknowledged student achievements in various fields. The New Jersey Governor’s Awards recognized artistic excellence among students and educators, and the Pasack Valley girls basketball team’s benefit games, in collaboration with the Zack Lary Foundation, were lauded for community spirit and teamwork. The girls swim team achieved second team All-Bergen County honors, and Amanda Bramley was named Bergen County 100 backstroke champion. Additionally, Tom Gallon, an assistant principal and former wrestling coach, received the William Po Service to Wrestling Award, underscoring his contributions to the wrestling community.

The meeting also addressed the school calendar, discussing the potential recognition of Eid and Diwali as days off. A student representative, Zahra Islam, advocated for official recognition of Muslim holidays, emphasizing the challenges faced by students during these celebrations and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment.

Budgetary concerns were noted, particularly the need for adjustments due to rising healthcare and transportation costs. The meeting touched on construction updates, with the Hills auditorium scheduled for a March 1 opening and the need for schedule adjustments due to ongoing projects at Valley. The board approved a $75,000 grant for artificial intelligence in education.

Dr. Russo recapped the Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Day of Service, highlighting the collaborative effort of 185 students volunteering at 25 sites. Activities included making sandwiches for shelters, creating blankets for hospital patients, and hosting a veterans’ breakfast. The event received positive feedback for its community impact and teamwork.