Letters to the Eagle

“TO THE EDITOR: I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Joanne Greene Tobias and her reelection bid for the Hanover Park Board of Education. Joanne has proven herself to be a dedicated advocate for our students, teachers, and community, consistently working to enhance the quality of education in our district for the past nine years.

Voters need to have faith in the people they elect to public office. Board members must understand their role, responsibilities and honor their Code of Ethics and Conduct. During her tenure, Joanne has championed initiatives that prioritize student well-being, academic excellence and fiscal responsibility. She listens and supports parents and educators, values transparency and is always willing to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the issues that matter most to our community.

Joanne’s leadership has contributed to meaningful improvements in our schools, from expanding extracurricular opportunities to supporting innovative teaching methods. She has also provided scholarships for seniors and is a strong supporter of the arts, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students. Her commitment to equity and inclusion ensures that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

I urge my fellow residents to join me in voting for Joanne Greene Tobias. Her experience, integrity, and passion make her the best choice for our Board of Education.”

SAMANTHA KELLEY, Hanover Park PTO

Florham Park Eagle

“TO THE EDITOR: “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

― Margaret Mead

When looking for a place to call home, you also look for a place where you can raise and educate your children, and a reason why we chose to live in Florham Park.

As a long-time teacher and resident of Florham Park, I have great appreciation for the work our educational system and the Hanover Park Board of Education have provided and continue to provide our children and their friends from kindergarten through high school. Among the students from Hanover Park, we have future doctors, PhD Engineering candidates, athletes, artists, teachers. The list goes on.

These achievements also mean that the people involved in the process deserve a lot of credit for their dedication and tireless work. I would like to wholeheartedly endorse Joanne Greene Tobias to continue to be Florham Park’s representative on the Hanover Park Board of Education.

Joanne is a pillar of integrity, and she represents the voice of parents and students. She conveys the importance of both facets: academic excellence and physical education through the improvement of athletic facilities.

She has a passionate, resolute work ethic and is always there to serve the community, as she served her country in the U.S. Air Force. The initiatives she has championed have and will continue to provide Hanover Park High School students with the tools needed to succeed in their future endeavors, whatever they may be.

We need someone like Joanne to remain in a leadership role to ensure we continue to get the best we can for all students. We need her integrity and commitment to this district. We need Joanne to continue moving the education of our students into the future. Joanne has our full support and votes on November 4th.

For more information on this outstanding Board member, Visit: https://jgtobias4hpreg.org

Aneta Mascaro and Family

Florham Park Eagle

“TO THE EDITOR: The thing I care about most in this world is my children. Although they are grown and out of the house, I hope to be a grandmother, so I am still very much invested in what happens in our schools.

My two sons received excellent educations from the Florham Park and Hanover Park school systems, and I am proud of the men they have become. They would not have gotten there without the support of teachers, coaches, pastors, neighbors and friends who cared about their futures, and Joanne Greene Tobias is one of those people.

I first met Joanne in her front lawn because we live in the same neighborhood and have sons around the same age. We were drawn to each other through our children. Our conversations started on the surface with questions like, what teacher did he get for next year and is he going to play little league? They grew to curriculum, coaching, volunteering, balancing work and consistently loving our boys through the crazy things they did.

She was part of my support system and friend through some very difficult years and continues to be there for me. Through it all she was strong, honest, funny and caring. This is exactly the type of person I want planning my grandchildren's future education. And she is super qualified; look up her bio, this letter is not about that. It is my heartfelt endorsement of Joanne Greene Tobias to the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education.”

KRISTIN MORAN and FAMILY

Florham Park Eagle

“TO THE EDITOR: Joanne Greene Tobias is the leader Hanover Park Board of Education needs now. I have had the pleasure of knowing Joanne and her family for years as neighbors, friends, and ardently endorse her for re-election to the Hanover Park BOE. There is no candidate better qualified to fill this seat. She has decades of experience invested in the field of education.


She and her husband, Jon, have been active members of the Florham Park community for 30 years.

They supported and coached their three children in recreational sports through elementary and middle school. Both Jon and Joanne supported and volunteered for the Florham Park Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, with Jon serving as Committee Chair and Troop 18 Scout Master.


Joanne has been a volunteer instructor for the American Red Cross Child Safety Program and volunteers for the Market Street Mission. She served on the Hanover Park PTO Board, helping raise thousands of dollars for school and student projects.

While her children participated in varsity sports, football pep band, and Color Guard, at Hanover Park, Joanne and her husband volunteered and supported these programs and activities.


She served her country in the US Air Force for 14 years and is a member of VFW Post 5351. She raises money for scholarships that go to local students and programs supporting veterans in need. As the Scholarship Chair for her Post, she has been responsible for awarding $12,000 to the District high schools in the past 2 years.


Joanne has spent 9 years devoting her time, energy, and experience representing Florham Park on the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education. In addition, she serves on county level committees advocating for our students and public-school education. Joanne doesn’t just live in Florham Park she has given back to this community for 30 years – she puts others before herself.


She is the leader our community has on the Hanover Park Board of Education and the leader we must re-elect. The accomplishments in the District while she has been on the Board of Education speaks volumes to her abilities and experience.


Her integrity is admirable. She has and always will take the “high road” despite the behavior of others.


Joanne’s experience, dedication, and commitment have earned your votes to re-elect her to the Hanover Park Regional Board of Education on November 4th.”

Diane Pallante,

Florham Park Eagle

“TO THE EDITOR: I’ve known Joanne Greene Tobias for 30 years as a neighbor you can count on for anything. My wife and I are lucky to have Joanne and her husband Jon as friends and neighbors we can depend on.

I look at her as a mother of three children, all Hanover Park and college graduates, who have been raised to be good and kind people. When her mother was no longer able to live on her own she came to live with the family. After her mother suffered a debilitating stroke, she remained in their home and Joanne was her full-time care giver until her last day.

The devotion and commitment to her family are the same characteristics she shows to her neighbors and the people of Florham Park that she serves on the Hanover Park Board of Education. Joanne has gotten the job done for the past nine years with her dedication and experience in the field of education.

Joanne serves our community quietly and with respect. She will make sure your children get the best education possible, as my grandchildren did. I am an Eagle Scout, and you can count on me for my honesty. We could not have a better person representing us on the Hanover Park Regional Board of Education. She has earned your votes.”

JOE and Betty Ann ORME,

Florham Park Eagle

“TO THE EDITOR: I am writing to you as a full-time teacher to offer my enthusiastic endorsement of Joanne Greene Tobias for a position on the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Joanne for the past 30 years and can confidently speak to her unwavering dedication to education and the development of well-rounded students.

As a kindergarten teacher with 25 years of experience, I understand how critical it is to have leaders on the Board who truly value education and prioritize students' needs. Joanne embodies these qualities. She is a passionate advocate for students and brings both the perspective of a devoted parent and the insight of an experienced educator.

Both of my children are graduates of Hanover Park High School and are now pursuing their college degrees and careers. I know firsthand how important it is to have strong, student-focused leadership guiding our schools. Joanne Tobias has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education and a deep care for the success and well-being of all students in our district.

I believe Joanne will continue to be a thoughtful, informed, and compassionate addition to the Board of Education. Her voice will be a valuable asset in shaping the future of our schools and supporting our students, staff, and community.”

MAUREEN PRIDHAM,

Florham Park Eagle

Student Achievements

Co-Curricular Activities:

The Academic Team placed 1st in the North Jersey Region 3 Competition and placed 5th in the state competition, and 4 students were crowned state champions. 

Members of Future Business Leaders of America competed at the regional, state, and national competition. 48 students placed at regionals, and 11 students placed in the top ten at States. 

11 students competed at the national competition in Anaheim, and 1 student was crowned a National Champion at FBLA Nationals. The Forensics and Debate Team and the Robotics Team successfully competed in regional and state competitions throughout the school year.

The Arts

The Hanover Park High School Golden Hornet Marching Band composed of over 60 members performed at home football games in the fall and competed successfully, finishing second at the state championships and earning the "Best Percussion" award in their division.

The Concert Band proudly represented Hanover Park in Boston, earning the highest "Superior" rating, and secured a silver award at the North Jersey Music Festival in March. 

Chamber Singers enriched the community through various service performances and earned a second-place finish in the NJ High School Choral Composition Contest. The band and choir also held a winter concert and numerous spring concerts in the theater.

The theatrical productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Rock of Ages were performed to sellout crowds. The students and staff did an outstanding job putting together these shows and showcased the many talents of our student body. The students in the art department created several beautiful pieces of artwork and student work was submitted to art shows throughout the state and Morris County.

In addition, the Dance Team, now in its 11th season, performed at football games and competed in competitions throughout the year.

Athletics

The Girls Tennis Team won the North 2 Group 1 State Sectional Championship; The Football Team won the North 2 Group 2 State Sectional Championship; The Wrestling Team won the North 2 Group 1 State Sectional Championship; and the Softball Team won the North 2 Group 2 State Sectional Championship and advanced to the group 2 state finals. The Girls Tennis Team, Football Team, and Wrestling team won NJAC Conference championships. The Girls Tennis Team was named NJAC Team of the Year; The Football Team was named NJSFC Team of the Year; The Park Swimming Team received the NJAC Conference Sportsmanship Award. 

There was 1 state place winner in two events in swimming, 6th place in 100 butterfly and 8th place in 100 breaststrokes. There was 1 NJ State Champion and 1 NJ State Silver Medalist in wrestling; 2 Region Champions in wrestling; 5 State Qualifiers in wrestling; 3 County champions in wrestling; 2 State Sectional Champions in Winter Track: 7 State Sectional Place winners in Winter Track; 3 Group 2 place winners in Winter Track. 1 County Champion in Spring Track; 4 State Sectional Champions in Spring Track; 21 State Sectional Place winners in Spring Track; 1 Group 1 State place winner in Spring Track. 1 Spring Track Athlete qualified and competed at the Meet of Champions. 2 All County selections in Football; 1 Morris County Defensive Player of the Year in Football; 1 NJSFC Offensive Player of the Year in Football; 2 All County selections in Girls Soccer; 1 All State Group 1 selection in Girls Soccer; 3 All County selections in Boys Soccer; 1 All State Group 2 selection in Boys Soccer; 3 All State Group 1 selections in Girls Tennis; 2 All County selections in Boys Cross Country; 1 Morris County Coach of the Award; 1 NJSFC Coach of the Year Award; 1 District Wrestling Coach of the Year; 8 student athletes will be playing sports at the collegiate level. 

HANOVER PARK HS ACHIEVEMENTS

In my years on the Board, Hanover Park High School has been recognized for many National and State achievements. These include: 

  • Rated by US News & World Report as a “Best High School in 2025”

  • Rated as a “Best High School in NJ” by Niche.com 

  • Recognized Nationally and Statewide in the Washington Post “America’s Most Challenging High Schools”

  • Named an “AP Honor Roll School” by the College Board

  • Rated in the “Top School District in Morris County", by Niche.com

  • Recognized as a State and National District of Character

  • National Merit Scholars placed in the top 5% of all college bound seniors in the country

  • Consistently rated “High Performing” in state QSAC performance reviews

Hanover Park delivers a well-rounded education, and our students benefit from strong academics, competitive athletic opportunities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. All this on a unique California‑style campus that is now undergoing multi‑million‑dollar renovations to further enhance safety and learning. These upgrades are made possible by the 2022 referendum for the Facility Improvement Plan.  

A productive initiative that has developed during my years on the Board is Dual Enrollment:  partnerships with higher education institutions let high school students earn college credit for courses. Currently, Hanover Park Regional has partnerships with: 

  • County College of Morris 

  • Rutgers University

  • Fairleigh-Dickinson University

  • Seton Hall University  

  • William Paterson University

Hanover Park provides a comprehensive educational program with a wide variety of learning opportunities for all students. Among these are Career Pathways. Students can design an educational program aligned with post-secondary college or career interests.

These include but are not limited to:

Business, Law & Government

  • Business Management & Administration

  • Government & Public Administration

  • Marketing Sales & Service

  • Finance

Fine, Practical, and Performing Arts

  • Visual Arts

  • Culinary Arts

  • Humanities

  • Music – Instrumental

  • Music - Vocal

Human Services

  • Hospitality : Tourism

  • Education

Stem

  • Biomedical & Life Sciences

  • Information Technology

  • Engineering

  • Healthcare

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES – Just to Name a Few

  • Academic Team

  • Art Society

  • Asian American Cultural Club

  • Audio/Visual Technology Club

  • Black Student Union

  • Book Club

  • Bowling Club

  • Cheerleading

  • Chess Club

  • Dance Team

  • Debare & Forensics

  • EmpowerHer

  • Environmental Club

  • E.R.A.S.E Club

  • Hornet Sting – Literacy Magazine

  • EBLA Club

  • French Club

  • Girls Who Code

  • Key Club

  • Peer Buddies

  • World Culture Club

  • Italian Club Heroes and Cool Kids

  • H.O.S.A Club

  • Kids Helping Kids

  • Pathways _ Yearbook

  • Math Club

  • Mock Trial Team

  • Robotics and Engineering Club

  • S.A.G.A

  • Student Government Association

  • STEM Club

  • Stock Market Club

  • Varsity Club

Music Department

  • Band

  • Color Guard

  • Ensembles: Brass, Woodwind, Percussion

  • Instrumental Music: Marching Band (Pep or Competition) Concert Band,

  • Jazz Band, String Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Wind Ensemble

  • Chamber Singers

  • Concert Choir

Theater

  • Two annual shows per year:

  • Fall Drama w/Stage Crew

  • Spring Musical w/Stage Crew

Athletics

  • Fall Sports:

    • Cross Country

    • Football

    • Soccer – B&G

    • Tennis – Girls

    • Volleyball

  • Winter Sports:

    • Basketball – B&G

    • Ice Hockey – District Sport

    • Swimming – District Sport

    • Winter Track – B&G Wrestling

  • Spring Sports:

    • Baseball

    • Softball

    • Golf – District Sport

    • Lacrosse – B&G, District Sport

    • Spring Track B&G

Voting Information:

  • November 4: General Election Day.

    • Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    • In-person Mail-in ballots must be returned to the Board of Elections or deposited in an Official Ballot Drop Box by 8 p.m.