Superintendent Spotlight with Dr. Michael Portas

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.