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Ilmie Xhaferi

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor

Mimi Xhaferi is a Pascack Valley junior and has been a part of The Smoke Signal since her freshman year. This year, she is excited to be working as a staff editor and looks forward to what is to come.

All content by Ilmie Xhaferi
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay explains the long-term effects of the coronavirus even after receiving negative test results.

[Photo] The long term effects of COVID-19

May 13, 2021
The Board of Education approved an emergency hybrid meeting on Thurs. May 13 to discuss the possibility of combining the attendance of both cohorts by May 17 during Monday night’s BOE meeting held in Pascack Valley’s cafeteria and virtually on Zoom.

District to possibly combine cohorts for remainder of school year

Ilmie Xhaferi, Olivia Moreno , and Hannah Elbogen
May 10, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay explains the effect that COVID-19 has over people's immune systems.

[Photo] How COVID-19 infiltrates our immune system

May 7, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay explains how people can prevent acne despite wearing face masks.

[Photo] Why do face masks cause acne, and what can you do about it?

April 30, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay explains how the American economy has transformed as a result of the pandemic.

[Photo] The Impact of COVID-19 on the American Economy

April 28, 2021
PVRHSD Superintendent Erik Gundersen confirms his resignation from the position, after sending an email to the entire district. Gundersen accepted the position as Superintendent of Schools at Suffern Central School District, effective July 1.

Gundersen confirms plans to leave PVRHSD

BJ McGrane and Ilmie Xhaferi
April 21, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay explores the reasons why individuals ignore COVID guidelines and how society can resist misinformation about the pandemic.

[Photo] Why do people ignore health guidelines?

April 22, 2021
The PV History Club presented 70-year-old LGBTQ+ activist Mark Segal as a guest speaker on Tuesday, April 20. Segal spoke to the district from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. through Google Meet to discuss his participation in the Stonewall Riots.

LGBTQ+ activist speaks to district

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
April 21, 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 PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay explains the purpose of masks during the pandemic.

[Photo] An Overview of Masks

April 19, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay explains the history of COVID-19 regulations and how it has affected residents in New Jersey.  This paper is written by sophomore Minche Kim.

[Photo] The History of COVID-19 Regulations in New Jersey

April 15, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” This essay dives into the history of the Moderna vaccine and when children under the age of 16 can get a COVID vaccine. 

[Photo] When Will Those Under 16 be Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine?

April 8, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” The fifth essay discusses how to proceed after getting the COVID-19 vaccine and updates regarding CDC guidelines for individuals that are fully vaccinated.

[Photo] The CDC’s Post-Vaccination Guidelines

April 6, 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 PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” The fourth essay discusses how leading vaccines tackle COVID-19 and help the body fight off the virus.

[Photo] How do leading vaccines work?

March 22, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled “The Research Publications.” The third research essay discusses B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant and its prevalence in African countries. This paper is written by junior Ben Carter.

[Photo] A general overview of South African COVID-19 Variant B.1.351

March 17, 2021
The PV Student Publication has partnered with The Research Club to publish a series of research essays entitled

[Photo] The differences between leading COVID-19 vaccines and a personal account

March 15, 2021
BOE member spearheads COVID-19 vaccine resolution

BOE member spearheads COVID-19 vaccine resolution

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
March 12, 2021
The Pascack Valley Coalition of Rights and Equity, also known as PV CORE, is a community organization that aims to celebrate diversity within Hillsdale, River Vale, Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Washington Township, and Emerson. Above is a picture of PV CORE members at a vigil they held over the summer.

Explore PV CORE

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
March 10, 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 9, 2021
The first research essay written by Research Club member Bridget Coyle explains what mutations are and how they affect coronavirus vaccines.

[Photo] The effect of mutations on COVID-19 vaccines

March 4, 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
Ilmie Xhaferi

Ilmie Xhaferi

Ilmie Xhaferi, 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 Mascot Selection Committee has chosen three mascot names after its meeting Wednesday afternoon on Zoom and in the PV auditorium, according to committee student representative Delia Collis. Collis and student representative Vasili Karalewich declined to reveal the three suggestions.

Mascot Committee declines to reveal final three mascot names

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
February 11, 2021
The PV Mascot Selection Committee shortened its list of mascot names from 11 to six after its fourth meeting Wednesday afternoon on Zoom. Committee student representative Delia Collis said that she is “excited” to narrow down the remaining mascot nicknames to three.

Mascot Committee shortens list of nicknames

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
February 3, 2021
The PV Mascot Selection Committee has narrowed down its list of mascot names from 53 to “10 to 15 names” after holding its third meeting Wednesday afternoon in PV’s auditorium and on Zoom, according to committee student representative Vasili Karalewich.

Mascot Selection Committee narrows down mascot nicknames

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
January 27, 2021
The PV Mascot Selection Committee has narrowed down its list of mascot names from 53 to “10 to 15 names” after holding its third meeting Wednesday afternoon in PV’s auditorium and on Zoom, according to committee student representative Vasili Karalewich.

Mascot Selection Committee compiles new nicknames

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
January 21, 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
The History Club presented civil rights activist and educator Theodora Smiley Lacey as a guest speaker on Wednesday, Jan. 13. She spoke to the district from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. through Zoom to discuss her activism, and the event was open to both PV and Pascack Hills students and faculty members.

Civil rights activist speaks to district

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
January 14, 2021
Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education held a reorganization meeting followed by a regular meeting in which they discussed the mascot selection process, PV’s principal search, and PV’s school closing.

BOE holds reorganization meeting

Isabella Zuluaga and Ilmie Xhaferi
January 4, 2021
2020 Pascack Valley Timeline

2020 Pascack Valley Timeline

BJ McGrane and Ilmie Xhaferi
December 23, 2020
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
District Superintendent Erik Gundersen said district nurses will meet with representatives from the Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission to determine whether students can return to school on Monday, Dec. 14.

Superintendent shares school reopening process

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
December 7, 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
After 13 years working at Pascack Valley, English and Journalism teacher Bill Rawson was named the 2020-2021 PV Teacher of the Year.

‘I didn’t necessarily [take] the same path as a lot of other teachers’

Ilmie Xhaferi and Sarah Buttikofer
November 19, 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.

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

Abby Shapiro and Ilmie Xhaferi
November 16, 2020
Gini Varghese, Kristin Martin, Michael Weaver, and Kelly Blundy have been elected to the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education. The four new members will take their seats on Jan. 4, 2021.

Four new members to serve the BOE

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
November 13, 2020
Eight candidates are running for the Pascack Valley Regional District Board of Education on Nov. 3. Each candidate is highlighted below .

[Video] Board of Education Candidate Cheat Sheet

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
October 26, 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
PV to remain remote through Oct. 28

PV to remain remote through Oct. 28

Ilmie Xhaferi, BJ McGrane, and Spencer Goldstein
October 16, 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
Blast from the past

Blast from the past

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
September 23, 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
The district has welcomed back all students from grade 10 through 12 in Cohort A on Sept. 3 and Cohort B on Sept. 4, while an orientation day for freshman was held on Sept. 2. With students returning, the district has taken several safety measures to promote social distancing including the placement of green and white tape down the center of every hallway.

Students return to school amid pandemic

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
September 4, 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
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
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Leanne Ruoff

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Leanne Ruoff

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
June 30, 2020
Graduates celebrate the culmination of their high school careers by attending a car parade held on held on Tuesday, June 16. District Superintendent Erik Gundersen said that the in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 will still be held on July 8 despite concerns from seniors and parents who argue that the date interferes with “Beach Week,” a student-organized event in which graduates spend the week at the beach.

District to keep selected in-person graduation date July 8

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
June 22, 2020
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Kenny McGlone

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Kenny McGlone

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
June 19, 2020
District Library Media Specialist Margaret White has been working for the district for 20 years and PV instrumental music teacher Joe Zajac has been a band director for 40 years. Both have retired at the end of the 2019-20 school year.

The next chapter

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
June 18, 2020
A goodbye to our senior editors

A goodbye to our senior editors

Ellie Kim, Ilmie Xhaferi, and Isabella Zuluaga
June 16, 2020
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Cassaundra Gehan

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Cassaundra Gehan

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
June 15, 2020
Assistant District Superintendent Barry Bachenheimer and his daughter, Lea Bachenheimer, continue to volunteer with the South Orange Rescue Squad during the coronavirus pandemic. While Lea’s shift lasts Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m, Bachenheimer is on duty from 6 p.m. Sunday night to 5 a.m.

A dynamic duo

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
June 10, 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
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Mitchell Hirsch

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Mitchell Hirsch

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
June 8, 2020
Black Lives Matter protests planned across N.J. this weekend

Black Lives Matter protests planned across N.J. this weekend

Sarah Buttikofer, Ilmie Xhaferi, and Rachel Cohen
June 4, 2020
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Erin Cuite

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Erin Cuite

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
June 3, 2020
Due to the coronavirus, the Class of 2020 has had to say goodbye to the clubs it was a part of throughout high school. Some seniors are highlighted below.

[Video] Senior Clubs Send-Off

Isabella Zuluaga, Ilmie Xhaferi, and Hailey Migdal
May 28, 2020
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Alex Moore

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Alex Moore

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
May 27, 2020
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Julianne Darcey

[Video] Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Julianne Darcey

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
May 21, 2020
The Board of Education held its virtual meeting Monday night on Zoom. At the meeting, it was announced that there will not be a final exam period at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

Final exams to not be administered

Isabella Zuluaga and Ilmie Xhaferi
May 19, 2020
Senior creates college decision video featuring parents

Senior creates college decision video featuring parents

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
May 14, 2020
Honoring Valley's Heroes: Mike Villegas

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Mike Villegas

Ellie Kim and Ilmie Xhaferi
May 13, 2020
Superintendent Erik Gundersen addressed graduation concerns during the Board of Education meeting held Monday night on Zoom. A graduation is still scheduled for the Class of 2020 on June 16.

District awaits governor’s office decision regarding graduation

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
May 5, 2020
Senior Class Council President Emily Kennedy created an Instagram account as a way to celebrate National Commitment Day amid the coronavirus pandemic. She began the account on April 12.

Gram the Plan

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
May 1, 2020
A nurse picks up meals delivered to the hospital from Ridgemont Pizza & Restaurant in Park Ridge. Pascack Hills teachers Virena Rossi, Kaitlyn Mahaffey, Charleen Schwartzman, and Deb Horn created a GoFundMe page to provide meals for healthcare workers at Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood.

Meals that heal

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
April 26, 2020
The ShopRite of Hillsdale is experiencing a shortage of paper products, including paper towels and toilet paper. Juniors Luke Palamidis and Brenna Tuffy continue to work at grocery stores amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Students continue working in supermarkets during crisis

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
April 7, 2020
Choir and the Tri-M Music Honor Society are hosting a virtual talent show on April 6. A link to a playlist with YouTube videos of the participants' acts will be sent out to the community in an email.

PV’s Got Talent

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
April 5, 2020
Grocery stores, including the ShopRite in Hillsdale, have hung up posters and signs to promote social distancing. However, the sign did not stop customers from standing close together by the checkout aisles.

‘Social distancing is not a punishment — it’s protection’

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
April 1, 2020
Valley's Veggie Tales

Valley’s Veggie Tales

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
February 4, 2020
TEEEM Lakota sponsors event featuring world-famous hypnotist

TEEEM Lakota sponsors event featuring world-famous hypnotist

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
January 25, 2020
One Spirit club members Lucy Disalvo, Ellie Kim, and Paige Gorman are representatives of TEEEM Lakota. TEEEM is sponsoring the club for its first event, a hypnotism night on Thursday, Jan. 23.

The perfect ‘TEEEM’

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
January 24, 2020
After former Pascack Valley Principal Tom DeMaio retired on Dec. 20, and Pascack Hills Principal Glenn deMarrais announced his retirement on Monday, Jan. 13, the permanent principal spots are open for next school year. The permanent principal positions for both PV and PH will be announced by the end of March.

Permanent district principals to be announced in March

Ilmie Xhaferi, Staff Editor
January 21, 2020
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Ilmie Xhaferi