October 9, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 13 A few words from Waldwick’s veteran teachers “We are very resourceful and residents are very supportive of the students.” Paul Puglise Subject: Physics Year started: 1972 “I wanted to teach physics and coach basketball,” Puglise said, when asked why he came to Waldwick. “I was substitute teaching at Manchester (Regional High School in Haledon) when I was informed that Waldwick needed a science teacher.” Puglise said the most memorable sports game of his career was the basketball team’s Waldwick High School has had many changes over the decades. Four teachers who have been at WHS the longest -- Janet Sobkowicz, Paul Puglise, Robin Marsiglia, and Evelyn Pagano – recently shared their memories. Janet Sobkowicz Subject: Information Management Year Started: 1969 Sobkowicz has noticed throughout her teaching experience that student diversity has greatly increased. Paul Puglise Janet Sobkowicz “Originally, the Europeans settled in Waldwick, which later became known as a farm and railroad town,” she recalled. “The town’s name derived from the German words, ‘wald,’ meaning woods, and ‘wick,’ meaning light. Now, our school is very diverse and there is no predominant ethnic- ity.” Sobkowicz also noted that technology has positively impacted Waldwick High School. “We have a lot to offer,” she said. “Our school was one of the first in our area for a TV production studio. Mr. Puglise and I even bought the first IBM computer for school. We are very fortunate.” She added, State Sectional Final of 1974. The game was between Waldwick and Englewood. “Englewood was number one or two in the state, and Waldwick beat them in their first State Sectionals,” Puglise said. One change Puglise has noticed over the years is the amount of pressure that students and teachers face. “When I first started, there was a lot less pressure,” he said. “We didn’t have all of the testing. College tuition was cheaper and there was no social media.” (continued on page 14)