News

MOMS Bring Yayoi Kusama’s Vision to Life in Collaborative Sculpture Installation

March 2026

The Mount Olive Middle School Media Center has been transformed into a vibrant display of color and creativity thanks to a collaborative art installation inspired by world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama.

Seventh grade students in Mrs. Carubia’s and Mrs. D’Andrea’s sculpture classes recently completed a large-scale art project that reflects Kusama’s unique artistic vision. The students first constructed oversized sculptural forms designed to represent the artist’s imaginative “inner world.” Once the structures were completed, students from across the school joined in to help paint them in Kusama’s signature style of bright colors and bold polka dots. In total, more than 100 Mount Olive Middle School students contributed to the design and painting of the installation.

 

Kusama, a Japanese contemporary artist, is known around the world for her immersive installations filled with repeating patterns, especially polka dots. Her artwork often reflects themes of infinity, imagination, and personal expression. Many of her most famous exhibits invite viewers to step into colorful environments that blur the line between art and experience.

Inspired by this approach, Mount Olive’s students designed their sculptures to feel playful, expressive, and larger than life. The final installation now sits at the center of the school’s Media Center, where students and staff can experience the artwork throughout the day.

“This project was about more than just sculpture,” said Mrs. Carubia. “We wanted students to understand how artists can express emotions and ideas through patterns, color, and scale. Kusama’s work is bold and imaginative, and the students really embraced that spirit.”

Mrs. D’Andrea noted that the collaborative aspect of the project made it especially meaningful. “Art can bring people together,” she said. “It was exciting to see students from different grades come together to contribute their own polka dots and make the installation feel like a true community artwork.”

Students also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in such a large creative project.

“It was really fun to work on something that everyone in the school helped create,” said eighth grader Liz Bahr. “When you walk into the Media Center now, you immediately see all the colors and dots, and it makes the space feel fun and exciting.  It's cool to see the final product.”

The installation now stands as a bright and imaginative centerpiece in the Media Center, celebrating both the influence of Yayoi Kusama and the creativity of Mount Olive Middle School students.

 

Mount Olive Middle School Student Honored with Morris County Superintendent’s Middle School Leadership Award

March 2026

Mount Olive Middle School is proud to announce that eighth grade student Zoe Rock has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Morris County Superintendent’s Middle School Leadership Award, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding student leaders across Morris County.

Presented annually, the award recognizes one eighth grade student from each participating middle school in Morris County who exemplifies exceptional leadership, citizenship, and character. Recipients are students who make a meaningful difference in their school communities through academic dedication, participation in extracurricular activities, and service to others. The award celebrates students who lead by example and consistently demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and respect for their peers and teachers.

Zoe was selected by Mount Olive Middle School staff for her strong academic performance, leadership among her peers, and the many ways she contributes to the school community. At Mount Olive Middle School, Zoe is an active member of numerous programs and activities. She participates in Drama Club, Select Choir, the National Junior Honor Society, and the girls’ soccer team. She also serves as president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, demonstrating her dedication to the school’s music program. Zoe is involved in band and chorus and participates in Unified Gym, where students of all abilities work together in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Beyond school, Zoe continues to pursue her passion for the performing arts. She is an accomplished young actress who has appeared on television and on Broadway, including in productions such as Gypsy. She is also a dedicated athlete and serves as captain of the STA club soccer team.

Students receiving the award from across the county are honored each spring at a recognition ceremony hosted by the Morris County Association of School Administrators, where families, educators, and school leaders gather to celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional young leaders.

Mount Olive Township School District Superintendent Dr. Sumit Bangia congratulated Zoe on this achievement.

“Zoe embodies the qualities that this award was created to recognize,” said Dr. Bangia. “Her leadership, character, and commitment to both her academics and her school community make her an outstanding role model for her peers. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized at the county level.”

For Zoe, the recognition reflects a mindset she carries with her each day. “At the end of the day, if I can say I tried my best, it was a good day,” she said.

Mount Olive Middle School congratulates Zoe on this well deserved honor and thanks her for the leadership and positivity she brings to the school community every day.

January, 2026

Mount Olive Middle School marks an important moment in its history as Vice Principal Chris Reagan prepares for retirement after 23 years of dedicated service to the Mount Olive Township School District.

Mr. Reagan began his career in the district as a special education teacher, where he worked alongside Dr. Severns to create intervention classes while earning his master’s degree in educational leadership. In 2013, he was appointed vice principal at Mount Olive Middle School, a role that allowed him to continue advocating for students while supporting teachers and strengthening school culture.

Throughout his career, Mr. Reagan took pride in building meaningful relationships with students and supporting inclusive practices across the school. “Building relationships with kids, being a resource for teachers in working with special needs kids, including all kids, and developing programs that support the kids that need us most have always mattered to me,” he shared. Known for his approachability and sense of humor, he added that making people laugh was also an important part of his leadership style.

Working with middle school students proved especially rewarding for Mr. Reagan, who appreciated the unique balance of independence and guidance required during the middle school years. “Middle school kids still have the energy and enthusiasm,” he said. “They are reaching for independence and yet still need our guidance. Once you build that bond, you can really impact the path a student follows and change the trajectory with a team approach and proper supports.”

Several programs at Mount Olive Middle School stand out as particularly meaningful to Mr. Reagan, especially the school’s performing arts and special education programs. “Our performing arts and programs for special needs are second to no other district in the state,” he noted. “While we always have room for improvement, we are well known for the programs and supports we develop centered around students in these programs.”

Mr. Reagan also reflected on how the school has changed over time, particularly in the use of technology. He recalled a time when teachers wheeled VCR carts the size of refrigerators from room to room and signed out laptop carts for research projects, noting how instructional tools have evolved while the school’s commitment to students has remained constant.

When asked what advice he would give to students, Mr. Reagan emphasized perseverance and the importance of asking for help. “Come to school every day. Struggles are temporary and always a learning experience,” he said. “Keep trying until you are successful, but mostly, ask for help. All kids worry about fitting in. Find your group and roll with it.”

As he looks ahead to retirement, Mr. Reagan shared that he will miss the relationships he has built throughout the Mount Olive Middle School community. “I will miss the level of support I’ve enjoyed from the teachers I’ve taught with to the new teachers that only know me as a vice principal,” he said. “I hope you have felt supported, and that I brought some humor to team meetings and difficult situations over 23 years. I will miss you all.”

Mount Olive Middle School, led by Principal Mrs. Wilke and supported by Vice Principals Mr. Cutro and Mr. Barcia, extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Reagan for his years of leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on students and staff.

The school looks forward to continuing its tradition of strong leadership as Lea Margosiak steps into the vice principal role. Her appointment represents an exciting next chapter for Mount Olive Middle School, and the community eagerly anticipates welcoming her into this new position.

 

Six Mount Olive Middle School Teachers Receive AdoptAClassroom Grants

October, 2025

Six Mount Olive Middle School teachers were recently awarded $500 each through the AdoptAClassroom program, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Subaru World of Hackettstown.

AdoptAClassroom is a national nonprofit organization that connects donors and corporate partners with K–12 teachers and schools to help fund classroom needs. The program empowers educators to purchase supplies, learning materials, and tools that directly benefit students, creating more engaging and equitable learning environments.

Thanks to the support of Subaru World of Hackettstown, each Mount Olive Middle School recipient was able to enhance their classroom or program with meaningful resources that will have a lasting impact on students. The grant funds were used in a variety of ways to improve instruction, organization, and student engagement across different subject areas.

The library received a wonderful selection of new books for students, featuring both fiction and nonfiction titles from recent bestseller lists. The new additions were chosen to reflect a variety of reading levels and genres, from thrilling adventures and heartfelt stories to fascinating nonfiction topics that spark curiosity. Students are already excited to explore the shelves and dive into their next great read.

Physical education students will benefit from the addition of new fitness equipment, including plyometric boxes that allow them to practice jump training, improve coordination, and build overall strength. This addition helps make workouts more dynamic and fun while promoting lifelong fitness habits.

Another teacher selected a whiteboard activity table, an interactive workspace that encourages students to brainstorm, problem-solve, and share ideas collaboratively. The table fosters active participation and helps students learn through movement and discussion.

Other teachers invested in classroom supplies such as high-quality pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, tape dispensers, and sturdy folders to support collaborative projects and hands-on learning activities. These practical tools help keep lessons running smoothly and encourage students to work together on creative, engaging assignments.

The six recipients were Kat Vizzone (Librarian), Josh Lindeblad (8th Grade Social Studies), Tom Famularo (Multilingual Learners), Michelle Corazza (MD), Bill Zaccheo (Physical Education), and Michelle Ebel (7th Grade Math).

 

Mount Olive Middle School extends its sincere thanks to Subaru World of Hackettstown and AdoptAClassroom for supporting teachers and helping provide our students with enriching educational experiences!

 

September, 2025

On Wednesday, September 11, Mount Olive Middle School students and staff joined together in a schoolwide remembrance of the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. This meaningful event was organized entirely by the school’s 8th grade Project Impact students under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Tarnowski, with the participation of the entire student body and staff, and extra support from the office staff to help the day run smoothly.

Project Impact empowers students to design and lead initiatives that make a positive difference in their school and community. For this project, students coordinated a variety of activities to help the school community reflect on the events of 9/11 and the importance of unity, resilience, and remembrance.

In the days leading up to the anniversary, students created hallway posters reminding classmates of the day and encouraging everyone to wear red, white, and blue. More than 400 American flags were placed around the school property by the Project Impact students with the assistance of custodial supervisor Joe Biasi, creating a powerful visual tribute.

On September 11, the day began with patriotic music playing outside during bus arrival, setting a reflective tone for the morning. Morning announcements included a moving solo performance of God Bless America, followed by a schoolwide moment of silence. A second announcement later in the day reinforced the theme of remembrance.

During 8th grade FLEX time, the school’s band and orchestra performed a stirring tribute, featuring the band’s top trumpet players.

Every homeroom viewed a student-created slide presentation that included video clips explaining the events of 9/11 in an age-appropriate way. The presentation also highlighted the story of Mount Olive’s own hometown hero, Hilda Marcin, who perished with courage and honor aboard Flight 93. Hilda was not only a beloved member of the community, but also served for many years as a paraprofessional at Tinc Road School in Mount Olive, leaving a lasting legacy of care and dedication to students.

To extend their impact, the Project Impact students also crafted thank-you notes and tokens of appreciation for staff and peers who supported the remembrance activities. Their guiding mantra, “Small acts, big impact,” reflects their belief that even the smallest gestures of service and kindness can create meaningful change.

“This project gave our students the chance to honor the heroes of 9/11 while also learning how to plan, organize, and reflect on a large-scale event,” said Dr. Tarnowski. “I am so proud of their hard work and the sense of purpose they brought to this important day.”

The remembrance project is one of many initiatives the Project Impact students will take on this year, with future plans including community service projects, food drives, and veteran outreach activities.

 

June 2025

Mount Olive Middle School closed out the year with one of the most exciting events on the calendar—Field Day! Held on the school’s outdoor grounds, this much-loved tradition gave each grade level their own special day to celebrate, compete, and enjoy some fresh air and fun.

Eighth graders kicked things off on Wednesday, June 4th, followed by seventh grade on Thursday, June 5th, and sixth grade wrapping it up on Friday, June 6th. The weather brought our first real taste of summer, with sunny skies and warm temperatures that added to the energy and excitement of the day.

The event was planned and led by our outstanding physical education team, spearheaded by Mrs. Kelly Buck and Dr. Bill Zaccheo, who put together an amazing lineup of activities. Students had the chance to select their own events ahead of time, creating a personalized day filled with fun and challenge.

This year’s Field Day featured an incredible range of events, including:
Long-Distance Run, Three-Legged Race, Broad Jump, Hulahoop for Time/Pass, Water Balloon Toss, Football Punt for Distance, Tug of War, Beach Ball Carry, Chalk the Walk, Wet Sponge Race, Home Run Derby, Balloon Burst Tag, Hippity Hop Race, 3-Point Basketball Shot, Cup by Cup, Pizza Box Race, Cornhole, CanJam, Spikeball, Ladder Ball, Spikeball Tournament, Lost Sneaker Race, Relay Race, Football Push, Egg and Spoon Carry, Overhead Bucket Pour, Dizzy Bat, 9 v. 9 Soccer, Dodgeball, and Volleyball.

Whether students were hopping on a Hippity Hop, getting drenched during the Overhead Bucket Pour, or sprinting through the Relay Race, the day was filled with laughter, teamwork, and just the right amount of friendly competition.

A huge thank you to all the staff, administrators, and volunteers who helped make each day run smoothly by supervising events and supporting students. And a very special shout-out to the Mount Olive Middle School PTO, who showed up every day, keeping everyone fueled for the fun.

Field Day 2025 brought sun, smiles, and unforgettable memories—it was the perfect way to start saying goodbye to the school year and hello to summer!

 

🦁 The Lion King Jr. Roars Onto the MOMS Stage!

May, 2025

The Mount Olive Middle School Drama Club delivered a breathtaking performance of The Lion King Jr. on May 8, 9, and 10, 2025, transforming the school stage into the heart of the African savanna. Bursting with vibrant color, powerful vocals, and heartfelt acting, the production was a spectacular showcase of student talent and teamwork.

Adapted from the beloved Disney classic, The Lion King Jr. tells the story of Simba, a young lion who must find the courage to embrace his destiny as king. The show opened with the iconic “Circle of Life,” setting a magical tone that continued throughout the evening with well-loved songs like “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

The cast brought the characters to life with impressive skill and energy. Zoe Rock was a standout as Rafiki, delivering wisdom and humor in equal measure. Keyaan Sekagya took on the dual roles of Mufasa and adult Simba with commanding stage presence, while Nathanael Kubvoruno perfectly captured the adventurous spirit of Young Simba. Gabrielle Felix (Nala) and Lissette Juarez (Young Nala) both shone in their roles, bringing grace and emotion to their performances.

The show's comedic heart came from Aariz Mujtaba and Angelo Madonia-Tuma as Timon and Pumbaa, whose chemistry and timing delighted the audience. Atharv Sharma delivered a chilling yet charismatic portrayal of Scar, and Ryan Zlasney was charming and precise as Zazu. Rounding out the royal pride were Cheryl Abraham as Sarabi and Cataleya Ochoa as Sarafina.

The mischievous hyenas—Valentina Acquafredda as Shenzi, Alonso Moliner as Banzai, and Benjamin Smitreski as Ed—brought high energy and lots of laughs. A dedicated ensemble added depth and vibrancy to the production’s musical numbers and scenic transitions.

Directed and supported by passionate staff, the show was more than just a musical—it was a community celebration of creativity, perseverance, and young talent. The entire production team, from costume designers to stage crew, helped make this show a roaring success.

For the full cast and crew list, visit the official playbill: Mount Olive Drama Club's The Lion King Jr. Playbill.

Mount Olive Middle School once again proved that with dedication and heart, students can create truly magical moments on stage.

 

Racing Toward the Future: 7th Graders Compete in Junior Solar Sprints

April 2025

On April 15, 2025, the bus parking lot at Mount Olive Middle School transformed into a racetrack of the future as 7th grade science students in Mrs. Sosnovik’s, Ms. Dombrowski's, and Mr. Carifi’s classes competed in the highly anticipated Junior Solar Sprints!

This exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition challenged students to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test by designing, building, and racing solar-powered model cars.

Working in teams of up to four, students were provided with wheels, axles, a motor, and a solar panel—but the rest was up to them. From sleek aerodynamic builds to creative use of recycled materials, students designed and constructed their car bodies over 7–8 class periods. The result? A lineup of unique, hand-crafted vehicles ready to harness the power of the sun!

The big day brought sunny skies, high energy, and a little extra boost from Mother Nature—some students were lucky enough to have the wind literally at their backs!

Students gathered in the bus lot, proudly setting up their creations and cheering one another on as their solar cars zipped down the track.

“We love watching our students apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on way,” said Mrs. Sosnovik. “It’s amazing to see their ideas come to life—and even more amazing how much they learn from both their successes and their setbacks.”

With every race, the excitement grew. Whether they crossed the finish line first or learned from a breakdown mid-race, every team walked away with a better understanding of science, engineering, and teamwork.

And while solar panels powered the cars, it was the students’ enthusiasm that truly fueled the day.

 

January 2025

Mount Olive Middle School 8th grader Radley Cahili has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability on the golf course, winning first place at the Junior Golf Tournament held December 28–29, 2024, at ChampionsGate Golf Resort in Orlando, Florida. Radley finished with impressive back-to-back scores of 83 on both days of the tournament, bringing his total score to 166 strokes for the weekend.

The Junior Golf Tournament, organized by the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), is a prestigious competition for young golfers to showcase their skills on a national stage. The tournament attracts top junior players from across the country and provides them with a platform to compete in a professionally organized environment. Players are tested on their golfing proficiency, sportsmanship, and mental toughness, all while earning valuable experience for future competitions.

Since picking up a golf club at just six years old, Radley has been passionate about the sport. It all started when his parents took him mini-golfing, and he eagerly asked if he could try the real thing. From that moment on, golf became a major part of his life.

In addition to golf, Radley also played baseball, which helped him develop the strength and coordination needed for his swing. Over the years, he has competed in numerous tournaments, learning how to manage nerves and perform under pressure.

When asked about his advice for aspiring golfers, Radley emphasizes the importance of practice but also keeping the game enjoyable. "If you want to get better, play as much as you can, but make sure you're having fun," he says. "You don’t want it to feel like a chore."

With a strong work ethic and a passion for the game, Radley hopes to one day become a professional golfer. His recent victory at ChampionsGate is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in the sport.

Radley’s performance at ChampionsGate stands as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. His consistent play throughout the tournament earned him the top spot, and he will undoubtedly continue to excel as he moves forward in his golf career. Congratulations, Radley, on an outstanding achievement!

 

 

Mount Olive Middle School Celebrates Culinary Creativity with "Cupcake Wars"

November 22, 2024

Students in Ms. Antoniello’s 8th grade Bake Shop classes recently competed in the much-anticipated "Cupcake Wars" competition, a culinary showcase that combines baking, teamwork, and artistic design. This engaging project serves as the culmination of the trimester, allowing students to apply their newly acquired kitchen skills to create dazzling cupcake displays based on selected themes.

A Creative Culinary Challenge

The project is more than just a baking exercise; it’s an exploration of creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness. Students begin by selecting a theme—often inspired by the season—and designing a display of 24 cupcakes to bring their vision to life. From sketching initial ideas to mastering piping techniques with buttercream frosting, every step is a testament to their hard work and ingenuity.

Learning Through Baking

Throughout the trimester, students hone essential culinary skills such as measuring, mixing, baking, and decorating. The class emphasizes teamwork as students collaborate to plan and execute their designs. A key component of the project is resource management: students work within a budget for additional decorations, enhancing their problem-solving abilities while fostering creativity.

The Big Day

The competition spans several days. After perfecting their designs with practice materials like instant mashed potatoes, students bake their cupcakes, prepare colorful frostings, and assemble their displays. The finished masterpieces are photographed and submitted to an extensive judging panel, including teachers, administrators, and over 300 members of Ms. Antoniello’s Professional Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers group.

Judging and Recognition

Judges evaluate the displays on their aesthetic appeal, creativity, and execution. From elegant holiday-themed creations to intricate spring flower bouquets, the designs showcase the students’ diverse talents and imaginations. The winning team is announced after the votes are tallied, earning not just recognition but also the pride of a job well done.

A Highlight of the Trimester

“Cupcake Wars” has become a beloved tradition in Ms. Antoniello’s class. “The students absolutely love this project," she shared. "They eagerly anticipate it throughout the entire trimester, making it the perfect way to conclude our class. They showcase all the baking skills they have learned, and collaborate on a design they created, and, of course, who wouldn't want to enjoy cupcakes?"

This year’s standout designs included a winter-themed display featuring a life-like snow globe, and a snowman that could rival professional bakery creations.

Congratulations to all participants for their incredible effort and creativity. The "Cupcake Wars" competition continues to inspire students to embrace the art and science of baking, fostering a love for culinary arts in the process.

After the votes were tallied, the snowman-themed display emerged victorious with 52% of the votes! Congratulations!