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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
With the 2020-21 school year coming to a close, The PV Student Publication wanted to highlight Pascack Valley interns who have continued to intern during the pandemic.

Showcasing Valley’s Interns

June 6, 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 impact the pandemic has had on the environment.

[Photo] The Effect of COVID-19 on the Environment

June 3, 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 to properly dispose of used masks.

[Photo] A Guide to the Proper Disposal of Masks

May 26, 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 methods that people can follow in order to manage mental illness symptoms during the pandemic.

[Photo] COVID-19’s impact on mental health

May 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 side effects of wearing masks and their purpose throughout the pandemic. 

[Photo] Are there negative aspects of wearing a mask?

May 14, 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 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

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 peoples 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

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

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

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

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 The Research Publications. The second essay discusses the differences between leading COVID-19 vaccines and is written by PV senior Aishwarya Pathri.

[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

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

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 PVs new mascot, as well as the Broncos as Pascack Hills new mascot.

BOE approves Panthers as new mascot

March 8, 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

February 25, 2021
Ilmie Xhaferi

Ilmie Xhaferi

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

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

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

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

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

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 schools mascot.

Indians and Cowboys mascots still “on the table”

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

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

January 4, 2021
2020 Pascack Valley Timeline

2020 Pascack Valley Timeline

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

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

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

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’

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.

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

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

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

Board of Education Candidate Cheat Sheet

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

October 26, 2020
PV to remain remote through Oct. 28

PV to remain remote through Oct. 28

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

October 12, 2020
Blast from the past

Blast from the past

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 Valleys 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

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

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

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

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

July 23, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Leanne Ruoff

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Leanne Ruoff

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

June 22, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Kenny McGlone

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Kenny McGlone

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

June 18, 2020
A goodbye to our senior editors

A goodbye to our senior editors

June 16, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Cassaundra Gehan

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Cassaundra Gehan

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

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 Educations 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

June 8, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Mitchell Hirsch

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Mitchell Hirsch

June 8, 2020
Black Lives Matter protests planned across N.J. this weekend

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

June 4, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Erin Cuite

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Erin Cuite

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.

Senior Clubs Send-Off

May 28, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Alex Moore

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Alex Moore

May 27, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Julianne Darcey

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Julianne Darcey

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

May 19, 2020
Senior creates college decision video featuring parents

Senior creates college decision video featuring parents

May 14, 2020
Honoring Valleys Heroes: Mike Villegas

Honoring Valley’s Heroes: Mike Villegas

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

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

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

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

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

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’

April 1, 2020
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Ilmie Xhaferi