Belleville Alumni Bulletin
Connecting Past & Present
Our first Alumni Social took place on March 1 at Nanina’s in the Park. This event was an absolute blast, bringing together former classmates and friends for an unforgettable evening. It was a perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement as we reminisced about our school days and caught up on each other's journeys since graduation. Surrounded by awesome company, laughter filled the air as we exchanged stories and rekindled old friendships. The organizers had thoughtfully prepared fun giveaways, adding an extra element of excitement to the night. As the evening progressed, we created beautiful memories, capturing moments that would be cherished for years to come. It was an engaging and heartwarming experience that reaffirmed the enduring bond of our alumni community.
Congratulations to the remarkable Class of 2023! Your achievements in service, leadership, athletics, and citizenship have been truly commendable throughout your time at Belleville High School. Your dedication to making a positive impact in the community and your exceptional leadership skills have set you apart. As you embark on new adventures beyond the Blue and Gold walls, remember that your journey as alumni has just begun. Stay connected, keep sharing your successes, and continue to inspire others through your remarkable accomplishments. The world awaits your bright future, and we have no doubt that you will make it even better through your continued dedication and passion. Congratulations to our newest alumni class!
Congrats to Dr. Tomko, our superintendent of Belleville Public Schools District, for being chosen as one of the 2023 Leaders to Learn From by Education Week! His innovative solutions and leadership in expanding early childhood and special populations programs earned him this well-deserved recognition. Way to go, Dr. Tomko! He was also appointed to Governor Murphy’s to the Task Force on Public School Staff Shortages in New Jersey.
The Belleville Indoor Training Facility is a new 25,000-square-foot space in a converted warehouse that is made for Belleville’s students, staff, and residents. From a golf driving simulator to weights, squat racks, and rowing machines, they've got you covered. The facility also boasts two wrestling rooms and a versatile dance room with sleek hardwood floors. But the real gem is the massive turf space with a walking track and a rock climbing wall, perfect for soccer training, batting cage sessions, track and field drills, football practice, and youth recreation. Plus, parents can relax in the waiting lounge with vending machines, catching up on TV or getting work done while their young athletes have a blast. Our Indoor Training Facility is open for use and anyone interested in using the space should contact Alex Luna at alex.luna@bellevilleschools.org
We believe in the power of expanding early education to support our students throughout their academic journey. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the district successfully launched the Hornblower Early Childhood center in 2020, providing in-person instruction for 3- and 4-year-olds. Since then, the program has flourished, expanding to 36 classrooms across six schools. The early-childhood center offers a curriculum focused on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social skills. We are thrilled to report that general education enrollment for preschool has skyrocketed from under 8 percent in 2018-19 to nearly 87 percent in 2022-23. This growth is particularly significant as Belleville serves a majority of low-income students, with almost 70 percent of them being Hispanic. We are proud of the strides we are making to ensure a strong educational foundation for our young learners.
We are thrilled to highlight Kara Sica, an exceptional alumni from Belleville High School. Kara graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a BA in Film & Media Studies and has truly made her mark in the entertainment industry. During her college years, she interned at NBC Universal, and today, Kara works for ABC Studios, in Burbank, California. In high school, Kara stood out as a dedicated student and leader. She was a member of the National Honor Society, served as vice-president of her class, and played both volleyball and softball. We are incredibly proud of Kara's achievements and her journey from Belleville High School to the world of media and entertainment in California.
Email alumni@bellevilleschools.org to be featured as our next Spotlight Alumni.
