The support staff of the New Providence schools do all the behind the scenes work to keep the district running and are the true unsung heroes. The secretaries, custodians, hall monitors, cafeteria staff, and substitutes are often overlooked, but deserve all the praise for their work. They are vital for students to have a safe, clean learning environment and should be credited for the schools’ academic success. 

We spoke to a few of our support staff, who discussed their opinions about working at NPHS and gave us a glimpse into their outside life. 

Nancy Randazzo: Hall Monitor 

How long have you been working here?

“Three and a half years.”

Do you enjoy working here? What are your favorite things about it?

“I enjoy working here. I like interacting with all of my coworkers and the students.”

Explain your normal day:

“I maintain the hallways, I make sure everyone is masked up and just keep the hallways safe and make sure everyone is in their classes where they belong.” 

Melissa Muglia: Cafeteria Manager

How long have you been working here?

“This is my 7th year.”

Do you enjoy working here? What are your favorite things about it?

“No. Hahahah. For the most part yes, I do like working here. I like the people I work with and I like the town of New Providence. Everyone is really nice. I like when I get to cook, I don’t cook a lot here, but when I do, I like to do it.”

Explain your normal day:

“I do a lot of ordering food and making sure the elementary schools have their food, I make menus, and I make sure everybody is doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”

Elena Coppola: Middle School Secretary 

How long have you been working here?

“10 years.”

Do you enjoy working here? What are your favorite things about it?

“I do. I like to spend a lot of time with Mrs. Lachance and I enjoy all of the kids coming into the office.”

What do you do when you’re not here? Hobbies?

“I listen to a lot of music and spend time with my friends. I also spend time at Coppola’s.”

Explain your normal day:

“The first thing I do is make sure every class has a teacher and all the substitutes. I make sure everything is ready to go for the teachers if they need any supplies.” 

If you could choose another job in school what would it be?

“I’ll be the principal!”

Angela Suske: Athletic Secretary 

How long have you been working here?

“Eight years.”

Do you enjoy working here? What are your favorite things about it?

“I love it. I like working with all of the kids, in sports, you know the athletic department, and I love working with my coworkers.”

What do you do when you’re not here? Hobbies?

“I love Netflix, movies, reading, and I go to the gym.”

Explain your normal day:

“It always varies, which is great. I make the arrangements for all of the games. The officials, the workers, the transportation. I manage all of the changes and things like that for the schedules which is the main part of the job. I do that every day for all of the seasons.”

If you could choose another job in school what would it be?

“I would be a guidance counselor.”

Laurie Bartletta: Mr. Henry’s Secretary 

How long have you been working here?

“Almost 5 years.” 

What do you do when you’re not here? Hobbies?

“I design jewelry, and I have 5 grown children so I’m usually visiting them.”

Explain your normal day?

“I arrive at the school at about 6:15, and I start preparing for substitutes and coverage for teachers that are out. Then when the day starts as you hear me, I say the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, during the day I assist Mr. Henry and try to make his job a little bit easier.”

If you could choose another job in school what would it be?

“I would be the Athletic Director.”

Jannette Matthews: Head Custodian

How long have you been working here?

“4 years.” 

Explain your normal day:

“I come in, open up the building, make sure the heat or air conditioning is running, and on a normal day I walk the halls in the morning and figure out what needs to be done throughout the day.”

If you could choose another job in school what would it be?

“I would be a secretary.”

Without these dedicated staff members we wouldn’t have substitutes in our classes, safe hallways, clean rooms, food for lunch, or teams to play, among other things.  They truly keep the school running.