The Rutherford Music Department had a very successful trip to Washington DC this past weekend. The students spent time at the International Spy Museum, the Smithsonian, and visited many of the monuments in the city. They performed for judges on Saturday morning, and all three groups had very successful performances. The choir received a superior rating, and the overall program received the esteemed "esprit de corps" award. This award is only given to one school out of all of the schools that participate. In the context of Music in the Parks, the Esprit de Corps award is a special … [Read more...] about RHS Music Department Performs in Washington DC
UMS Choir Students Perform at Honors Choir Festival
Rutherford Public Schools is proud to announce that eight middle school students performed at the ACDA NJ Junior High All-State Honors Choir Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025. All students sang the challenging and diverse repertoire beautifully with a high level of vocal technique and artistry. They are truly a proud representation of Union Middle School, Rutherford Public Schools, and the UMS Concert Choir Program! Members of the SSAA Treble (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2) Choir - Gwen Allen, Mariana Brochero, and Mia DiLorenzo. Members of the SATB Mixed (Soprano, Alto, … [Read more...] about UMS Choir Students Perform at Honors Choir Festival
Engaging “Escape Room” Activity in English Class
Mr. Stracco's Honors 400 English class participated in an engaging escape room activity as a culminating experience for Ibsen's A Doll's House. The challenge incorporated riddles, symbolism, and character identification, with each clue leading to the next step—until one group, like Nora Helmer, successfully "escaped." … [Read more...] about Engaging “Escape Room” Activity in English Class
UMS Choir Students Perform in Regional Choir
Congratulations to UMS Concert Choir students Sean Doherty, Maia Floresca and CJ Ackermann for performing with the NJSMA Region 1 Mixed Choir on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The choir sang challenging repertoire from a variety of genres including John Rutter's For the Beauty of the Earth, Eric Whittacre's Seal Lullaby, and Stephen Sondheim's Sunday (Sunday in the Park with George). … [Read more...] about UMS Choir Students Perform in Regional Choir
Creative and Academic Projects for “1984”
Mr. Stracco's Honors English 400 class recently completed their unit on George Orwell's 1984. As a culminating activity, students designed self-directed projects with corresponding rubrics aligned to NJLSA standards. Each group conducted a comprehensive analysis of the novel, focusing on its plot, themes, symbols, and key quotes. Projects ranged from student videos to newspaper articles, to recreations of scenes to explanations of the novel to the present day. They were the perfect mix of academic and creative! … [Read more...] about Creative and Academic Projects for “1984”