After its winter hiatus, music staff and students are gearing up for the start of their award-winning marching band.

Administrators and teachers are taking steps to address concerns over student disengagement by getting stricter with its cell phone policy. Principal Dennis Williams shared that the school administration, in efforts with the central office and the superintendent, is working to strengthen language around cell phone use. The academic committee of the Board of Education is also involved in this discussion.

Five NHS students took part in a “hackathon" at the Nutley Public Library last Saturday. A hackathon is an event where people who enjoy coding compete to create an original design (from scratch) within a certain time frame. People participating in a hackathon are given a theme for their design. However, participants aren’t told the theme until they arrive at the event. 

As of late, members of the National Honors Society (NHS) have begun offering tutoring sessions to struggling students. Advisor Joseph Cremona explains, “The National Honor Society is a service organization…The members have to fulfill characteristics of its pillars, and one of the ways in which they can do so is by tutoring people, depending on their needs.” 

Craving a delicious dessert, such as a flavorful cake pop, or a strawberry covered in mouth-watering chocolate? Make sure to stop by 314 Washington Ave, the location of a new sweet shoppe that you simply can’t miss out on. The Sweet Life Cafe recently had a soft opening on February 12th through 14th, but it will be open permanently in a matter of days.

In an exciting new development for the students and staff, Ashleigh Norton has been given the position as a temporary guidance counselor, filling in for Victoria Lewis who is currently on maternity leave. Norton has been a guidance counselor for young people for ten years, although this is her first time working in a school. Before joining Nutley High, she worked at Plaid House, a group home that provides residential and supportive services to students with psychiatric and emotional needs.

This year, a welcome change arrived in the halls as Ashley Barnes stepped into her new role as vice principal.

The Nutley choir and band held their annual holiday concert at Saint Mary's Church on Friday, December 12th. It’s a tradition to go to St. Mary’s every year, and many students enjoyed the chance to perform in front of hundreds of audience members.

Over one hundred scholarships were awarded to seniors in the auditorium on May 30 at the annual Scholarship Awards ceremony. Donors from local businesses and organizations helped present scholarships to those who applied, giving students help with college tuition, fees, or any post high school plans. 

Many students volunteer for the school in order to help out within the community. Whether it's performing community service, or  trying to raise money for people in need, some students will do whatever they can to help out the high school and the Nutley community.

During the third marking period, life as a senior tends to lull. The days start to blend together; classes begin to feel more and more stagnant; the never-ending burden of the dreaded senioritis takes full control. However, every year, there is one event that helps to liven the senior class: one event that, for just one night, brings everyone together in a way unlike any other.

The Senior Fashion Show.

Many additions and improvements have been made to the Library/Media Center, and according to staff members, there's more work to be done. 

Due to the recent craze on social media, the highly marketed insulated tumbler brand, Stanley, has gained millions of new supporters throughout the nation. 

With this rapid increase in popularity, the brand’s supporters, both old and new, have purchased a wide range of Stanley merchandise. The Stanley products come in various colors and sizes with the same purpose to hold beverages throughout the day. 

The NHS Instrumental Program held their Winter Concert on February 15, 2024 in the auditorium and showcased all of their jazz, band, and string ensembles. The concert, originally planned for February 12, 2024, was delayed due to the snowstorm that overwhelmed the North Jersey area. 

The Key Club held its annual Blood Drive in the auxiliary gym on October 10th from 8:15-2:15, with Mrs. D’Urso and Miss Mazza as its sponsors. Students 16 years and older with signed permission slips were able to donate blood to help save lives. Free raffles, gift cards, gift baskets, and more were available for all who donated, and donating seniors received red cords for graduation. 

More than eighty scholarships were awarded to NHS students on Tuesday, May 23 at the annual scholarship ceremony. The Class of 2023 came together for the occasion, which served as a celebration of academic excellence and student achievement. It was an evening filled with pride, joy, and countless scholarship opportunities for these talented students. 

Last Wednesday, May 24th, students and staff from the NHS Music department were commended by the Essex County Board of Commissioners, complete with certificates, group photos, and an impromptu performance of "Alma Mater". 

The NHS Music Department earned superior and first place awards at the Music in the Parks festival in Washington D.C. Freshman Daniela Recio said, “Knowing that Nutley won first place and superior makes me feel super proud of myself and my classmates."

The groups that participated included Concert Choir, Choralettes, Chamber Singers, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra.

Nail care has become increasingly popular among high school students as a form of self-expression and a way to make a statement. From simple manicures to intricate nail art, adults and teens alike are exploring a wide range of nail trends.