The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo
The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo
The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo
Abby Shapiro

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor

Abby is a sophomore and has been writing for the publication since she was freshman. She is excited to expand her writing palet further and continue to create intriguing and impactful stories.

All content by Abby Shapiro
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essay

[Photo] FDA’s Recent Approval of the Innovative New Early-Stage Breast Cancer Treatment

November 3, 2021
PV Choir to host annual Halloween Talent Night

PV Choir to host annual Halloween Talent Night

Abby Shapiro, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2021
Deena Mahmoud has joined the Pascack Valley staff as a Special Education English Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Mahmoud felt it was "important" for every student to be offered the same opportunities for education which is why she has decided to teach special education at PV.

‘I wanted to be able to teach everyone’

Abby Shapiro, Editor in Chief
September 13, 2021
Brothers Sean and Kevin Cuffe will be commissioned as officers into the army following their graduations from West Point University and Lehigh University.

‘It’s important to do something to give back’

Abby Shapiro and Cameron Dolan
June 14, 2021
The Board of Education approved Daniel Fishbein as the interim district Superintendent during Monday night's BOE meeting held in the Pascack Valley Cafeteria and virtually on Zoom. The BOE also recognized a few individuals for their work in the district this past year.

District approves interim superintendent for 2021-22 school year

Abby Shapiro, Olivia Moreno, and Megan Austin
June 7, 2021
The community discussed the new District Equity Team during Monday night's BOE meeting held in Pascack Valley's Cafeteria and virtually on Zoom. The BOE also discussed the possible usage of flags other than the American flag in the district high schools.

Community discusses new District Equity Team

Abby Shapiro and Isabella Zuluaga
May 24, 2021
Furniture taken out by the maintenance team Wednesday afternoon in the lower cafeteria in preparation for the possible merging of both cohorts. At a Special Board of Education meeting held on May 13 in-person and virtually through Zoom, the BOE decided to keep the hybrid schedule for the remainder of the school year.

District to continue using hybrid schedule for remainder of school year

Abby Shapiro, Sarah Shapiro, and Sarah Buttikofer
May 13, 2021
For the 2020-2021 school year, Senior prom will take place at the Rockleigh Country Club on June 8th.

Senior prom to be held on June 8th

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
April 28, 2021
The Board of Education held an in-person meeting on Monday night at Pascack Valley and virtually over Zoom. During the meeting, the BOE discussed district Superintendent Gundersen's resignation.

Community bids farewell to Gundersen

Abby Shapiro, Sarah Shapiro, Megan Austin, Emily Moy, and Olivia Moreno
April 26, 2021
The Board of Education approved Debra Stephans to fill the open BOE seat representing Montvale during a special Monday night meeting held virtually on Zoom. This comes following the resignation of Montvale BOE member Janet Bissinger effective March 16, 2021.

District approves new BOE member

Abby Shapiro and Ilmie Xhaferi
April 19, 2021
The Board of Education approved John Puccio as Pascack Valley's next principal during Monday night's BOE meeting in Pascack Valley's cafeteria and virtually on Zoom. The BOE also discussed the ongoing process in implementing an eighth period in the school’s schedule.

Puccio approved to become next principal

Isabella Zuluaga and Abby Shapiro
April 12, 2021
The Board of Education approved Joe Blundo to be BOE Vice President during its Monday night meeting held in Pascack Valley’s cafeteria and virtually on Zoom. The BOE also discussed concerns over the mascot selection process.

BOE approves new vice president

Ilmie Xhaferi, Sarah Buttikofer, and Abby Shapiro
March 22, 2021
The Board of Education held an in-person meeting on Monday night at Pascack Valley and virtually over Zoom. During the meeting, the BOE approved the Panthers as PV's new mascot, as well as the Broncos as Pascack Hills' new mascot.

BOE approves Panthers as new mascot

Abby Shapiro, Ilmie Xhaferi, and Emily Moy
March 8, 2021
Pascack Valley's former mascot, the Indian, was removed last June by the Board of Education. The decision was met with both support and backlash from community members.

PV students share thoughts on mascot controversy

Abby Shapiro and Ava DeVincenzo
March 5, 2021
Abby Shapiro

Abby Shapiro

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
February 24, 2021
The Board of Education held an in-person on Monday night at PV and virtually on Zoom. During the meeting, the final three mascot options were presented to the BOE.

Mascot Selection Committee reveals final three mascot suggestions

Ilmie Xhaferi and Abby Shapiro
February 22, 2021
The Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education held an in-person and virtual meeting on Monday night. During the meeting, PV Mascot Committee student representatives shared updates on their ongoing mascot search.

PV Mascot Committee gives update on selection process

Abby Shapiro, Sarah Buttikofer, and Megan Austin
February 8, 2021
An aerial view of the Montclair State University campus. Montclair State University is one of many colleges to move away from using an Indian mascot.

Colleges’ actions regarding Indian mascot controversies

Abby Shapiro and Sarah Shapiro
January 27, 2021

University of Utah preserves Indian nickname

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
January 27, 2021
Gundersen: Indians nickname off the table

Gundersen: Indians nickname off the table

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
January 20, 2021
The Board of Education held an in-person meeting on Monday night at PV. It discussed a wide range of topics, including the state of each school's mascot.

Indians and Cowboys mascots still “on the table”

Spencer Goldstein, Ilmie Xhaferi, and Abby Shapiro
January 18, 2021
A picture of the Pascack Valley marching band in the 1966 edition of The Warrior. The uniforms featured images of Indian style teepees.

The great mascot debate of 2004

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
January 15, 2021
Seniors presented with Seal of Biliteracy award

Seniors presented with Seal of Biliteracy award

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
January 6, 2021
The Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education bid farewell to board members Brian Hallowell, David Steinberg, Arnold Scher, and Kenneth Ralph during Monday night’s BOE meeting held in-person at Pascack Valley and on Zoom.

BOE bids farewell to retiring members

Ilmie Xhaferi and Abby Shapiro
December 14, 2020
Mascot controversies sweep the state

Mascot controversies sweep the state

Abby Shapiro and Sarah Shapiro
December 1, 2020
District Superintendent Erik Gundersen said that all in-person school activities until Dec. 14 will be suspended or held remotely due to the increasing positive COVID-19 cases in the district. This was announced during the Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education meeting held Monday on Zoom. 

In-school activities to be held remotely until Dec. 14

Ilmie Xhaferi, Isabella Zuluaga, Abby Shapiro, and Megan Austin
November 30, 2020
Sophomores Cameron Dolan and Leila Dhawan created an Instagram mask business, called Elizabeth Rose Masks, in August.

‘Our goal is to give back to the community’

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
November 24, 2020
The Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education held its first in-person meeting of the 2020-21 school year on Monday night in the Pascack Valley cafeteria. The BOE discussed the mascot selection process, the principal search, and some members commented on the increase in coronavirus causes.

BOE hold their first in-person meeting of the 2020-21 school year

Abby Shapiro and Ilmie Xhaferi
November 16, 2020
First time voters reflect on upcoming election

First time voters reflect on upcoming election

Abby Shapiro, Staff Editor
October 30, 2020
PV Choir Board to host Halloween Talent Night

PV Choir Board to host Halloween Talent Night

Sarah Buttikofer and Abby Shapiro
October 29, 2020
Pascack Valley Athletic Director Shawn Buchanan and Pascack Hills Athletic Director Phil Paspalas presented their plan for the new mascot selection process to the Board of Education during Monday night’s BOE meeting held virtually through Zoom. Assistant Superintendent Barry Bachenheimer also showcased the 2020 Assessment Data Presentation.

BOE introduces mascot selection process

Ilmie Xhaferi, Sarah Buttikofer, and Abby Shapiro
October 26, 2020
The Board of Education's decision to retire the Pascack Valley and Pascack Hills mascots and nicknames was faced with backlash and support from the community. Several petitions were created in the months that followed.

Response from the community

Ellie Kim and Abby Shapiro
October 26, 2020
Discussion surrounding the PV Indian mascot has "been going on for years," according to district Superintendent Erik Gundersen. Several clubs and community members spoke out in favor of removing it in the months leading up to June's Board of Education meeting.

The retirement of the PV Indian

Ellie Kim and Abby Shapiro
October 23, 2020
Director of Technology and Communications Paul Zeller said that he and Pascack Hills intern Samantha Goldman plan to use social media to improve communications between the Board of Education and the public during Monday night’s BOE meeting held virtually through Zoom. Goldman said that the most “efficient” way to communicate with parents, educators, and students is through social media platforms.

BOE announces plans for better communication

Abby Shapiro, Ilmie Xhaferi, and Isabella Zuluaga
October 12, 2020
Seniors were virtually inducted into Pascack Valley's National Honor Society on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

National Honor Society holds virtual induction ceremony

Abby Shapiro and Sarah Shapiro
October 8, 2020
The Board of Education addressed many topics at the Board of Education’s virtual meeting Monday night held on Zoom. These topics include the concerns of Pascack Valley's and Pascack Hills' cheerleaders attending other districts' football games, the change in dates for the PSAT test, and a score report for the HIB self-assessment given by the New Jersey Department of Education.

BOE addresses uncertainty regarding cheerleaders at football games

Ilmie Xhaferi, Sarah Buttikofer, and Abby Shapiro
September 21, 2020
The Board of Education discussed how students and faculty felt returning back to school. The district also approved three new clubs for the 2020-21 school year: the Society of Women Engineers, the STEM League, and the Technology Student Association.

District reflects on reopening plan

Abby Shapiro, Ilmie Xhaferi, and Sarah Shapiro
September 8, 2020
Assistant District Superintendent Barry Bachenheimer presented three plans for school reopening at Thursday’s virtual Board of Education meeting held through Zoom. It consisted of all on-site classes, 100% remote learning, and a hybrid schedule.

District to present reopening plan to the state

Ilmie Xhaferi, Isabella Zuluaga, and Abby Shapiro
July 23, 2020
Community members rally at the Woodcliff Lake train station in favor of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The protest began at 10 a.m.

Community holds Racial Equity Rally

Abby Shapiro, Sarah Shapiro, and Emily Moy
June 27, 2020
Community comments on mascot removal

Community comments on mascot removal

Abby Shapiro and Isabella Zuluaga
June 25, 2020
Pascack Hills students, teachers, and parents gather in the PH parking lot. Students protested against the removal of the "Cowboy" mascot.

Pascack Hills community holds protest against removal of mascots

Abby Shapiro and Isabella Zuluaga
June 23, 2020
Community expresses opinions on mascot removal

Community expresses opinions on mascot removal

Abby Shapiro, Sarah Buttikofer, and Isabella Zuluaga
June 23, 2020
District Superintendent Erik Gundersen said that the district intends on hosting an in-person graduation on July 8 if New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy increases outdoor capacity during the Board of Education's virtual meeting Monday night held on Zoom. During the meeting, Director of Curriculum Barry Bachenheimer was also approved as assistant district superintendent and Cynthia Ackerman as assistant business administrator for the 2020-2021 school year.

In-person graduation ceremony intended to be held July 8

Abby Shapiro, Sarah Buttikofer, and Ilmie Xhaferi
June 8, 2020
An email titled "Breaking the silence" was sent to all Pascack Valley and Pascack Hills students and faculty on June 2. The email addressed the district administration's silence up until that point regarding the murder of George Floyd.

Breaking the silence

Spencer Goldstein and Abby Shapiro
June 4, 2020
The Class of 2019 had its senior prom on June 14 at the Woodcliff Lake Hilton. A parent-sponsored prom is planned for the Class of 2020 on July 17 at the Rockleigh Country Club.

Parent-sponsored prom planned for July

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
June 2, 2020
Celebration of the Arts to be held virtually May 28

Celebration of the Arts to be held virtually May 28

Abby Shapiro and Sarah Buttikofer
May 22, 2020
Due to the pandemic, students are taking virtual Advanced Placement exams May 11 to May 22. While the College Board released a practice demo for submitting responses, students faced complications and may have to retake their exams.

Students face AP exam complications

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
May 20, 2020
8 ways to support local businesses

8 ways to support local businesses

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
May 7, 2020
A virtual induction ceremony was held on Zoom for seniors accepted into the National Honor Society. The new members were inducted on Friday, May 1.

Seniors virtually inducted into National Honor Society

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
May 3, 2020
Seniors to be inducted in virtual National Honor Society ceremony

Seniors to be inducted in virtual National Honor Society ceremony

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
April 29, 2020
Senior Sophia Lange's jingle was chosen as a segue piece between clips in each episode of NJTV Learning Live, a program created to educate students in grades three through six while schools are shut down from the coronavirus. The tune was created using a piano, flute, and tambourine on Musescore.

Student-composed jingle featured in NJTV

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
April 22, 2020
The Pascack Period class, Light in the Valley, posted human trafficking awareness magnets throughout the school for the month of January, which is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The class encouraged students to post pictures of the magnets on their social media accounts with the hashtag #NJStudentsForFreedom.

Light in the Valley raises awareness for human trafficking

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
February 3, 2020
Pascack Valley Choir's annual Halloween Talent Night will be held in the PV auditorium at 7 p.m. on Oct. 30. The event will consist of singing, dancing, poetry, and comedy by PV students and faculty.

PV Choir to hold annual Halloween Talent Night

Abby Shapiro, Staff Writer
October 24, 2019
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Abby Shapiro