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Vice Principal - Cathy Paz

September 12, 2025

Good afternoon seventh grade families,

I am very excited to continue to serve at Tenafly Middle School in my new role as Vice Principal.  In the past, I have served as the Middle School Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction as well as the K-12 Science Supervisor. As Vice Principal, I will be working closely with 7th grade students and teachers throughout the school year planning for events and helping students to be successful navigating this school year.  We have one exciting event already planned: 

Grade 7 Field Trip - December 3

  • We have reserved tickets for the 7th grade to see the Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, The Outsiders: A New Musical on December 3, 2025 at the Jacobs Theater in NYC.  As part of our Language Arts curriculum, students read the novel, making this activity a compelling complement to their reading. On the day of the trip, we will leave school at 12 noon for the 2pm matinee.  We estimate a return back to TMS around 6/6:30.  If your student is unable to attend because of other commitments, we will have an alternate activity in the afternoon that day.  There will be more information to come very soon. The cost of the trip is $90.00.  You must have a SchoolCash Online account to submit your payment and sign the online permission slip.  Instructions to sign-up can be found here.  Please pay this fee by September 22th. 

With a great first year as sixth graders at TMS, 7th graders should be familiar with the routines and procedures of our building. I would like to offer some assistance and also ask for some support with the following areas: 

Safety and Security

  • We take safety and security seriously.  With that in mind, all students are required to wear a lanyard and a school ID around their necks at all times.  We do understand that mistakes happen and sometimes students forget this essential item.  Our practice is as follows;  The first time a student forgets their lanyard, they will receive a warning.  The second time a student forgets, I will contact home to work with you to find a way to have a lanyard every day.  The third time, and every time after, a student will receive detention within each trimester.  A good place to routinely store lanyards at the end of the day would be in a Chromebook bag or a pocket of a backpack.  We ask that students have their lanyards on at drop off in the morning and enter the building wearing it.  

Chromebooks

  • In terms of Chromebooks, they should be charged every night.  Students can bring their chargers to school in case they need extra battery life. During the day, students must carry their Chromebooks in the Chromebook bag.  It is fun to personalize Chromebook bags with keychains, ribbons, or pins.  Students are not to write or put stickers on the Chromebook itself or the Chromebook bag.

“Your Words Matter”

  • Last, I would like to stress the concept of respect and manners with all of our students.  Mr. Fabbo, Mr. Comey, and I all remind your students every day that their words matter.  When they leave home, they carry the responsibility of representing their families and community. We encourage them to treat one another in a way that reflects pride in themselves, their families, and our school community.

Thank you in advance for working together with us to make the TMS community a safe and fun place to learn.  I am always accessible via email or phone call.  Welcome back to TMS!  It’s a great day to be a tiger!

Cathy Paz, Vice Principal

cpaz@tenafly.k12.nj.us, 201-816-4908