The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo
The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo
The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo
Spencer Goldstein

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief

Spencer Goldstein graduated in 2021.

All content by Spencer Goldstein
John Puccio is set to become Pascack Valley's next principal, effective July 1. He was passed over for the position last year, and learning from that experience helped him get the job this time around.

Self reflection key for Puccio to obtain principal job

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
April 23, 2021
The PV Student Publication has been announced a recipient of the National Student Press Association’s 2021 Online Pacemaker Award. The NSPA Pacemaker is considered scholastic journalism's preeminent award, and a total of 13 publications received it this year.

PV Student Publication receives 2021 Online Pacemaker Award

Ellie Kim and Spencer Goldstein
April 10, 2021
John Puccio spent 12 years as Pascack Valley's assistant principal before filling in as PV's interim principal following the retirement of Tom DeMaio last year. After returning to his role of assistant principal for the 2020-21 school year, Puccio has been recommended to the Board of Education for the position of PV's next principal.

John Puccio recommended for PV principal position

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
April 7, 2021
Over 68% of individuals who participated in PV's mascot selection poll voted for the Panthers. However, many people are unaware of what a panther actually is.

What is a panther?

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
March 24, 2021
Members of the PV Student Publication take part in an editors meeting. The 2020-21 school year is the first time that the publication has been nominated for the Online Pacemaker award.

PV Student Publication named finalist for 2021 Online Pacemaker award

Spencer Goldstein and Ellie Kim
March 16, 2021
Screen Shot 2021-03-05 at 11.44.57 AM

[Photo] Opinion: Students should not have to fulfill mandatory elective requirements

Hannah Elbogen, Staff Writer
March 17, 2021
Panthers set to become Pascack Valley’s new mascot

Panthers set to become Pascack Valley’s new mascot

Spencer Goldstein and Ilmie Xhaferi
February 25, 2021
Spencer Goldstein

Spencer Goldstein

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
February 24, 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
What you should know

[Photo] Committee embarks on journey to find new mascot

Allison Varghese, Staff Writer
January 8, 2021
PV to go fully remote for at least two days

PV to go fully remote for at least two days

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
January 4, 2021
Screen Shot 2020-12-23 at 8.58.45 AM

[Photo] A different stance on writing

Sara Wentland, Staff Writer
February 22, 2021
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the PV Music Department's 2020 Winter Concert will be held virtually. It will take place on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and be available for viewing free of charge.

PV Music Department to host first virtual Holiday Concert

Spencer Goldstein and Ellie Kim
December 17, 2020
District to remain fully remote until Dec. 14

District to remain fully remote until Dec. 14

Ellie Kim and Spencer Goldstein
November 25, 2020
Despite all of PV's classes taking place virtually through Nov. 23, the school's sports will continue.

PV athletics continue despite shift to remote learning

BJ McGrane and Spencer Goldstein
November 14, 2020
Pascack Valley to remain fully remote through Nov. 23

Pascack Valley to remain fully remote through Nov. 23

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
November 12, 2020
Two PV individuals test positive for COVID-19

Two PV individuals test positive for COVID-19

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
November 11, 2020
Class council election results announced

Class council election results announced

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
October 21, 2020
Class of 2022

Class of 2022

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
October 21, 2020
Class of 2023

Class of 2023

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
October 21, 2020
Class of 2024

Class of 2024

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
October 21, 2020
PV to remain remote through Oct. 28

PV to remain remote through Oct. 28

Ilmie Xhaferi, BJ McGrane, and Spencer Goldstein
October 16, 2020
Pascack Valley and Old Tappan get set at the line of scrimmage.

Who is Pascack Valley’s biggest rival?

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
October 14, 2020
Pascack Valley's defense lines up against Bergenfield. PV took down the bears by a score of 34-8 on Saturday afternoon.

[Photo] PV bounces back with win over Bergenfield

BJ McGrane, Sports Editor
October 10, 2020
Quarterback Zach Traina rolls out of the pocket against Ramapo. He totalled 79 total yards in his first varsity start last week.

Valley looks to enter win column vs Bergenfield

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
October 8, 2020
Mike Solazzo makes a move on a Ramapo defender. He finished with 86 rushing yards in Valley's 41-6 loss to the Raiders.

Valley conquered by Ramapo in season opener

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
October 3, 2020
Students comment on Pascack Valley's reopening

Students comment on Pascack Valley’s reopening

Spencer Goldstein and Ellie Kim
September 14, 2020
Glenn deMarrais posing with his son, who played junior football for River Dell. DeMarrais coached high school sports for almost 20 years before coaching his sons in Junior Football and Little League Baseball.

From the field to the office

Spencer Goldstein, Editor in Chief
September 3, 2020
The Board of Education discussed the final details of the reopening plan before school begins on September 3. The district approved new curricula, a temporary change in course credit for all full year science courses, and new faculty for the 2020-2021 school year.

District puts finishing touches on reopening plan

Ilmie Xhaferi, Spencer Goldstein, and BJ McGrane
August 31, 2020
In-person graduation held for the Class of 2020

In-person graduation held for the Class of 2020

Ellie Kim and Spencer Goldstein
July 9, 2020
The Smoke Signal Instagram has limited comments on its recent posts following requests from the district. A post announcing the Board of Education's decision to remove the Pascack Valley and Pascack Hills mascots received over 1,800 comments.

Smoke Signal disables Instagram comment section

Ellie Kim and Spencer Goldstein
June 25, 2020
During its virtual meeting held on Zoom this morning, the Board of Education faced many comments and questions from community members regarding its decision to remove the mascots. District Superintendent Erik Gundersen said that the decision to remove the mascots will not be changed.

District faces backlash, support regarding mascot removal

Ellie Kim and Spencer Goldstein
June 25, 2020
The district administration scheduled the Class of 2020's in-person graduation to be during Beach Week – an annual senior tradition in which graduates take a trip to the beach after the conclusion of the school year – prompting many seniors and parents to urge the district to change the date of the ceremony. After the district was unwilling to do so, a number of seniors expressed their opinions on the conflicting date of the ceremony.

Seniors react to conflicting graduation date

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
June 18, 2020
After the high school spring sports season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall season will come with specific guidelines to ensure the safety of all athletes and fans. As a part of these guidelines, all fall sports were divided into three categories based on the risk of spreading the virus: high, moderate, and low.

[Photo] How high school fall sports will be impacted by the coronavirus

Nolan Wasserman, Sports Writer
June 9, 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
Millions of Americans have found themselves stuck at home due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has forced the closing of schools and non-essential businesses. Pascack Valley has been holding virtual school days since Mar. 16.

Community shares opinions on country’s eventual reopening

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
May 20, 2020

PV seniors and alumni debate over graduation

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
May 18, 2020
A hybrid graduation is planned for the Class of 2020 on June 16. Superintendent Erik Gundersen announced the district's plan Friday afternoon.

Gundersen announces hybrid graduation

Ellie Kim and Spencer Goldstein
May 18, 2020
Despite the spring sports season being put on hold, multiple Pascack Valley coaches have issued voluntary workout routines to players. Daily tasks and challenges have been provided in order for players to stay ready for the season.

PV athletes continue training at home

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
April 9, 2020
Boys basketball coach Al Coleman talks to his players during a timeout

PV defeated in state sectional semifinal

BJ McGrane and Spencer Goldstein
March 6, 2020
Coach Jeff Jasper attentively watches his team.

Indians knocked out by Old Tappan in quarterfinals

BJ McGrane and Spencer Goldstein
March 4, 2020
Lindsey Jennings snags the loose ball.

Indians prevail over Wayne Hills in first round of playoffs

BJ McGrane, Spencer Goldstein, and Noah Silver
March 2, 2020
2013 PV graduate Kyle Stackpole poses in a black "#FearTheIndian" t-shirt. These shirts were made by members of the PV Class of 2013 as a way to show school spirit.

The face behind FearTheIndian

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
February 3, 2020
Kobe Bryant approaches the Lakers' bench in a 2013 home game against the Bucks. Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter crash at age 41.

Kobe Bryant’s death brought out the worst in national media

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
January 27, 2020
The cheer team poses during its routine. The team performed twice Tuesday night, first defeating Kennedy, and later on defeating Cliffside Park.

Cheer team overcomes injuries to defeat two opponents

BJ McGrane, Spencer Goldstein, and Willy Higgins
January 22, 2020
Senior Ryan Thomas waits to inbound as the bench looks on.

Valley boys basketball routed by rival

Spencer Goldstein and Willy Higgins
January 18, 2020
Smoke Signal Wrapped

Smoke Signal Wrapped

Rachel Cohen, Katie Mullaney, BJ McGrane, and Spencer Goldstein
December 20, 2019
Head coach Al Coleman talks to the team during its scrimmage against Garfield.

Boys basketball to build off team chemistry

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
December 19, 2019
Pascack Valley football player and 1956 graduate Bob Venusti donated a wooden section of a torn down goalpost from the 1955 Thanksgiving Day football game, in which Valley earned its first ever win in its inaugural season against Northern Valley. Venusti has kept it for over 60 years, but has now decided that it is time to bring it back to Valley to honor the past and inspire future football players.

Remembering Valley’s First Victory

Spencer Goldstein and Katie Mullaney
November 27, 2019
Andrew Martinez runs the ball upfield in Valley's Oct. 25 matchup against Ramapo. The Raiders would go on to beat the Indians 42-14 in Valley's regular season finale.

Indians face rematch against Ramapo in sectional championship

Spencer Goldstein and Willy Higgins
November 21, 2019
Senior quarterback Stephen Begen unleashes a pass downfield. He finished with 75 passing yards and a touchdown in last week's win over Demarest.

Indians set to host Garfield in sectional semifinals

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
November 15, 2019
Jake Ciocca (27) and Sean Cuffe (10) celebrate an interception. Ciocca picked off Demarest quarterback Andrew Argenziano twice in Valley's 41-0 victory.

Valley throttles Demarest to advance to sectional semifinals

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
November 8, 2019
Pascack Valley and Demarest get set at the line of scrimmage. The Indians went on to defeat the Norsemen 48-18 in Valley's Homecoming game on Sept. 28, and the two teams are now set for a rematch in the playoffs.

North 1, Group 3 postseason bracket released

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
November 3, 2019
Half of the "If You're Not Last, You're First" fantasy football league showed up to the draft wearing suits. Pictured left to right is Nate Dedrick, Dallas O'Connor, Chris McGrath, Brendan Donnellan, Trey Herenda, and Dylan Ottomanelli.

Meet Pascack Valley’s most polarizing fantasy football league

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
October 30, 2019
Senior wide receiver Craig Moorehead sprints into the endzone. The 27-yard touchdown gave the Indians a 20-7 lead over River Dell.

Indians to face Ramapo in battle for first place

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
October 24, 2019
The Indians hoist the Patriot Gold League Championship trophy.

Indians crowned league champions after thriller vs River Dell

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
October 18, 2019
Senior quarterback Stephen Begen drops back to pass. He threw for 151 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in last week's loss to Old Tappan.

Indians aim to return to win column

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
October 11, 2019
Senior quarterback Stephen Begen rolls out of the pocket while looking to pass. He finished with 151 passing yards, two total touchdowns and two interceptions in Valley's 21-12 loss to Old Tappan on Friday night.

Indians fall to rival for first loss of season

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
October 4, 2019
Senior running back Jake Williams stiff-arms a defender. Williams would rush for 145 yards and four touchdowns in the win.

Indians trounce Demarest to stay undefeated

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
September 28, 2019
Dallas O'Connor defends an opposing player

Indians shutout by Ridgewood at home

Spencer Goldstein and BJ McGrane
September 28, 2019
Seniors Stephen Begen (2) and Jake Williams (44) line up in the backfield behind Chase Rickert (74). The Indians' offense has scored an impressive 69 points through two weeks thus far

Indians set to face first test against Paramus

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
September 19, 2019
Head coach Len Cusumano on the sidelines. This seasons 2-0 start is Valleys best since his debut in 2016

Indians run through Dwight Morrow to advance to 2-0

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
September 14, 2019
Senior Nate Dedrick celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. He would finish with two of Valleys three goals in the win

Indians defeat rivals at home in “knock-em out fight”

Spencer Goldstein and BJ McGrane
September 11, 2019
Senior Stephen Begen scrambles outside the pocket. He threw for 110 yards and scored two total touchdowns before exiting early.

Indians shut out Roxbury to begin 2019 season

Spencer Goldstein and BJ McGrane
September 6, 2019
Junior Sydney Ben-yishay runs down the field against Northern Highlands. Pascack Valley defeated Northern Highlands 2-0 for its season opener.

Pascack Valley stuns Northern Highlands in season opener

Spencer Goldstein and BJ McGrane
September 6, 2019
Jake Williams finds an opening against Ramapo

Valley aims to return to playoffs for third straight season

Spencer Goldstein and BJ McGrane
September 5, 2019
James Della Pesca runs through the PV Football sign.

Indians look to start strong against Roxbury

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
September 5, 2019
Sophomore Alex Spadafino dribbles past a defender

Girls soccer team aims to improve throughout season

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Editor
September 4, 2019
Nine seniors sit at the podium after deciding which college to commit to. Arianna Quevedo was unable to attend the event.

PV hosts spring Signing Day ceremony

Spencer Goldstein, BJ McGrane, and Willy Higgins
June 7, 2019
This week's Athlete of the Week is David Oh.

Athlete of the Week: David Oh

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Writer
May 24, 2019
This week's Athlete of the Week is Sam Conjour.

Athlete of the Week: Sam Conjour

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Writer
May 10, 2019
Ben Malone, an ex-runner at Pascack Valley, recently achieved a sub-four-minute mile. Malone went on to run track at Villanova University.

Former PV track star runs sub-four-minute mile

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Writer
April 16, 2019
Justin Martin throws from shortstop for Pascack Valley. He will be playing in college at Sacred Heart after his high school career ends.

Baseball hoping for state title

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Writer
March 27, 2019
Dom Mingione (left) stands alongside his 2017 Pascack Valley golf team. Mingione will be stepping down from the position for the upcoming season, and Brian Koch will take over for him.

Math teacher set to take over golf team

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Writer
February 10, 2019
Elexis Levine, a senior cheerleader, is The Smoke Signal's Athlete of the Week.

Athlete of the Week: Elexis Levine

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Writer
February 7, 2019
Max Yellin with the ball for the Indians. Valley won its second straight game with a victory over Demarest on Thursday.

Valley basketball tops Demarest

Spencer Goldstein, Sports Writer
January 11, 2019
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Spencer Goldstein