NEW MILFORD, NJ &mdash; June 2, 2026 &mdash; Ray Cottiers, named 2025 New Milford District Teacher of the Year and 2025 Bergen County Wrestling Coach of the Year, announced today that he is leaving public education to lead Varsity Prep USA full-time, the youth enrichment organization he founded in 2018.&nbsp;
The decision marks the end of a decade-plus career in education and coaching and the beginning of a new chapter focused on expanding Varsity Prep USA across northern New Jersey.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Teaching and coaching shaped everything I know about working with kids. Walking away from both wasn&rsquo;t easy. But every summer I&rsquo;d see a kid show up to camp on day one barely talking to anyone, and by Friday they were leading their group. After eight summers of that, I knew I wanted to do this work year-round,&rdquo; said Cottiers.&nbsp;
A Program Built by Educators&nbsp;
Operating in partnership with New Milford Public Schools, Varsity Prep USA serves children from pre-K through middle school through summer camps, enrichment programs, sports clinics, leadership opportunities, and experiential travel programming.&nbsp;
Since launching in 2018, the organization has grown from a single summer program into a year-round platform serving hundreds of Bergen County families annually.&nbsp;
Varsity Prep combines traditional camp experiences with original programming developed in-house, including sports curriculum, STEM activities, arts programming, leadership development, and hands-on enrichment designed around the same instructional principles Cottiers used in the classroom.&nbsp;
The organization&rsquo;s staffing model is built around local teachers, coaches, college students, and high school student leaders &mdash; creating a program deeply connected to the communities it serves.&nbsp;
Reinvesting in the Community&nbsp;
In 2026 alone, Varsity Prep USA will reinvest more than $160,000 into the New Milford community &mdash; through wages paid to local teachers, coaches, college students, and high school staff, and through a new formal partnership with New Milford Public Schools that directly supports district programs and facilities.&nbsp;
Expansion Across Bergen County&nbsp;
With Cottiers now leading the organization full-time, Varsity Prep USA is preparing to expand beyond its flagship New Milford location. Conversations are currently underway with multiple Bergen County school districts regarding partnerships for Summer 2027.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The model works because it&rsquo;s built by educators, run by educators, and rooted in the school communities it serves,&rdquo; said Cottiers. &ldquo;Districts receive a turn-key summer and enrichment program, employment opportunities for their teachers, coaches and students, and meaningful financial support for their facilities and programs. Families receive programming they can trust. It&rsquo;s a win-win across the board. That&rsquo;s the formula we&rsquo;re bringing to new communities.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Gratitude to New Milford&nbsp;
Cottiers, NMHS Alumni (Class of 2004), emphasized the role New Milford played in shaping both his career and the foundation of Varsity Prep USA.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Everything I know about working with kids, I learned from the teachers, administrators, coaches, and families of New Milford,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll always be a New Milford guy.. The fact that this community has been Varsity Prep&rsquo;s home and launchpad for the last eight summers means everything to me.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Summer 2026 enrollment is currently open at Varsity Prep USA, with programming running June 22 through August 28.&nbsp;
About Varsity Prep USA&nbsp;
Founded in 2018 by educator and coach Ray Cottiers, Varsity Prep USA is a North Jersey-based youth enrichment organization operating in partnership with local school districts. Varsity Prep provides summer camps, sports clinics, after-school enrichment programs, experiential learning opportunities, and leadership development programming for children and teens through educator-led experiences designed to build confidence, creativity, and community.&nbsp;

Bergen County

New York City Metropolitan Area

New Milford

New Jersey

Award-Winning Educator and Coach Ray Cottiers...

NEW MILFORD, NJ — June 2, 2026 — Ray Cottiers, named 2025 New Milford District Teacher of the Year and 2025 Bergen County Wrestling Coach of the...

Award-Winning Educator and Coach Ray Cottiers Leaves Classroom to Lead Varsity Prep USA Full-Time 

HEBREW ITALIAN ENGLISH Language Lessons &amp; Tutoring 
&nbsp;Interested in learning Italian, Hebrew, or English for travel, work, school, citizenship, conversation practice, or simply for fun? Private language lessons available for students of all ages and levels!
Friendly, personalized lessons designed to help you build confidence and enjoy learning at your own pace.
Available for students in NYC &amp; online &nbsp;917-509-6411 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="mailto:adansk6@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">adansk6@gmail.com</a>
Learn Italian, Hebrew, or English in a supportive and engaging environment!

New York City

New York County

David Luces

New York

Hebrew  Italian  English Language Lessons and...

HEBREW ITALIAN ENGLISH Language Lessons & Tutoring ...

Hebrew  Italian  English Language Lessons and Tutoring Available

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has announced that The Elisabeth Morrow School, located in Englewood, New Jersey, is the only elementary and middle school in New Jersey to be recognized as a 2026 National Gold Star School. This prestigious honor celebrates schools nationwide that exemplify leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to student success.
&ldquo;National Gold Star Schools represent what is possible when strong leadership, dedicated educators, engaged families, and supportive communities work together,&rdquo; stated NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE. &ldquo;These schools are models of excellence and inspiration for school leaders and schools nationwide.&rdquo;
Selected through a rigorous and competitive process, the National Gold Star Schools recognition highlights schools for their achievements based on NAESP&rsquo;s framework of the Three Pillars of the Principalship:
Established Culture: Shared values, family engagement, and well-being.
Empowered People: Collaborative teaching, distributed leadership, and holistic support.
Optimal Systems: Effective use of talent and resources, district support, and strategic focus. 
Marek Beck, Head of School at The Elisabeth Morrow School, shared, &ldquo;Being named a 2026 National Gold Star School is an extraordinary honor and a powerful affirmation of what is possible when a school community commits itself to excellence, innovation, and purpose-driven learning. This recognition reflects the remarkable work of our faculty, the curiosity and character of our students, the partnership of our families, and a shared vision for what education must become in a rapidly changing world. At EMS, we have intentionally built a culture rooted in high expectations, academic rigor, meaningful relationships, and transformational learning experiences that empower students to think deeply, solve real-world problems, and grow into confident, compassionate leaders. We are incredibly proud to represent New Jersey through this national recognition.&rdquo;

The Elisabeth Morrow School&rsquo;s recognition as a National Gold Star School affirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and high-achieving school environment. With its focus on collaborative teaching, distributed leadership, and holistic student support, EMS continues to set the standard for educational excellence in New Jersey.
About NAESP: Founded in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals leads and supports principals and other school leaders in their commitment to all children. NAESP's mission is to empower elementary and middle-level leaders to advance equity and excellence in education. Learn more at <a href="http://www.naesp.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.naesp.org</a>. 
About The Elisabeth Morrow School: The Elisabeth Morrow School (EMS), founded in 1930, is a leading independent, co-educational day school in Englewood, New Jersey, serving students from age 2 through eighth grade. EMS is a nationally recognized institution, distinguished by a wealth of top-tier honors: it was selected for the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School award &mdash; a distinction received by only one other private school in New Jersey, forming a triple validation of excellence reinforced by CAPE Blue Ribbon School and New Jersey Blue Ribbon School recognition. Further underscoring its quality, the school holds an A+ overall grade from Niche.com and is recognized as an active UN Global School and an Apple Distinguished School (2022&ndash;2026) for its exemplary use of technology in hands-on, real-world projects. EMS prepares students for a lifetime of success through a transformative, rigorous, project-based curriculum, seamlessly blending high academic rigor, innovative design thinking, and essential ethical development to build strong foundations that prepare children to think critically, work creatively, and lead with confidence, ready for seamless transitions to top secondary schools and beyond, and to make a difference in our rapidly changing world. elisabethmorrow.org

Englewood-Englewood Cliffs

NAESP Announces The Elisabeth Morrow School as...

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has announced that The Elisabeth Morrow School, located in Englewood, New Jersey,...

NAESP Announces The Elisabeth Morrow School as 2026 National Gold Star Recipient

Come join clothing optional men's small group stretch/abdominal classes taught by certified Male fitness coach with years of experience.&nbsp; Included in the session is Free sauna, steam/shower and mini massage lesson.&nbsp; Other services offered include massage and manscaping. for more information please see <a href="http://www.beholdthemanformen.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.beholdthemanformen.com</a>, beholdthe<a href="mailto:manformen@gmail.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">manformen@gmail.com</a>, text or call 201-527-7437.

Classes and Services for Men

Come join clothing optional men's small group stretch/abdominal classes taught by certified Male fitness coach with years of experience.  Included...

Teaneck

Fort Lee

Miranda Levingston

Washington Heights-Inwood

Harlem

River Dell

Hasbrouck Heights

Paramus

Upper West Side

Westchester County

Jeff Edwards

Mount Vernon

Register now for the webinar: <a href="https://unemploymentgrants.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Webinar Registration Link</a>
Please add BTIIInstitute.sn@gmail.com and Info@btiiinstitute.com to your contacts list to ensure that you receive confirmation and reminder emails.
Please email us with any questions: Info@btiiinstitute.com
To learn more visit: <a href="https://unemploymenttraininggrants.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://unemploymenttraininggr...</a>
Are you or someone you know unemployed? Attend this career-changing webinar to learn about free training for more than 20 high-demand certifications, including PMP, PMI Certified Professional&nbsp; in Managing AI, SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, Responsible Artificial Intelligence, Agile Product Management, Lean Portfolio Management, RTE, Microsoft AI Business Professional, Microsoft AI Transformation Leader, Microsoft Power BI, and Microsoft Excel. The training and certifications are free and covered by a New Jersey state grant for approved unemployed professionals. Most clients report earning 6 figures after training and/or significant salary increases. The training is for professionals, including current or aspiring:
• Technology, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Accounting, HR, Operations, Manufacturing, and Other Professionals
• Project, Program, Portfolio, and Product Managers
• Management Consultants, General Managers, and Team Leaders
• Senior Managers and Leadership
• PMO Directors, Center of Excellence Professionals, and PMO Directors
• Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Agile Product Managers, and Agilists
• Agile Coaches and Consultants
• Business and Agile Transformation Professionals
• Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Professionals

Local Event: Unemployed? Obtain a Free Training Grant for Top Certifications

Essex County

West Orange

Unemployed? Obtain a Free Training Grant for...

Register now for the webinar: Webinar Registration Link
Please add BTIIInstitute.sn@gmail.com and Info@btiiinstitute.com to...

Unemployed? Obtain a Free Training Grant for Top Certifications

Virtual

Why Attend the Berkeley College Virtual MBA Open House?


 An advanced degree can expand your career opportunities and increase your earning potential. Join the Berkeley College MBA Open House to learn how the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management program can help you advance your career and develop leadership skills in today’s competitive business environment.


 What Makes the MBA in Management Program Unique?


 During this event, you will learn what sets the Berkeley College MBA in Management program apart, including:

<ul>
 <li>Flexibility for working professionals</li>
 <li>The ability to apply concepts from coursework to your current career</li>
 <li>Available concentrations</li>
 <li>Dedicated support services and resources, including Career Services</li>
</ul>

 Available MBA Concentrations


 Students in the MBA in Management program can choose from several specialized concentrations, including:

<ul>
 <li>Accounting (Note: The Accounting Concentration is only offered Online)</li>
 <li>Financial Management</li>
 <li>Healthcare Management</li>
 <li>Human Resources Management</li>
 <li>Law Enforcement Executive Management</li>
 <li>Marketing Management</li>
 <li>Supply Chain Management</li>
</ul>

 The flexible program is designed to accommodate busy work and personal schedules. You’ll have the opportunity to apply concepts from coursework to real-world situations in your career.


 Flexible MBA Program for Working Professionals


 The MBA in Management degree program is offered by Berkeley College New York and Berkeley College Online®. Courses are offered online and at various campuses as identified in the Course Schedule for each semester.


 Meet the Speakers


 Speakers


 Martha Outz -- Executive Director at Sinceri Senior Living
 
 Justyna Glazewski -- AVP Human Resources at Spenser Bank


 Event Details


 Registration is required for this free virtual event. 
 An access link will be emailed upon confirmation. 
 For more information call 855-377-6171.

Local Event: MBA Open House at Berkeley College

MBA Open House at Berkeley College


    Why Attend the Berkeley College Virtual MBA Open House?


    An advanced degree can expand your career opportunities and...

Bergen County Rowing Academy

BCRA offers a variety of programs to individuals interested in the sport of rowing. Whether you are looking to explore and learn, simply enjoy rowing on Overpeck Lake from time to time, or have a keen interest in competitive rowing as a team sport, our diverse programs have something for everyone. Our offerings include Learn-to-Row, recreational, and competitive rowing programs designed for youth, collegiate rowers, and adults of all skill levels.

Bergen

Ridgefield Park

BCRA offers a variety of programs to individuals interested in the sport of rowing. Whether you are looking to explore and learn, simply enjoy...

Alliance Homecare

Alliance Homecare’s mission is to deliver home health care services with the highest standards of excellence through compassion, respect and education. Our home care services include a wide variety of supportive care provided in the home or residence. Alliance Homecare provides medical and non-medical services to ensure that you or your loved one stays at home in a comfortable and caring environment. Our core services include: Private Duty Nursing, Home Health Aides and Care Management We provide services from Pediatrics to Elder Care. We support a wide variety of additional care, which range from assisting with daily living to more medically intensive care, such as plastic surgery recovery, wound care, hospice care and more.

Alliance Homecare’s mission is to deliver home health care services with the highest standards of excellence through compassion, respect and...

PSE&G

Public Service Electric &amp; Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&amp;G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 24 consecutive years. In 2025, for the fourth consecutive year, J.D. Power named PSE&amp;G number one in customer satisfaction for residential electric service in the East among large utilities.  PSE&amp;G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

Somerset County

Alexis Tarrazi

Bridgewater

Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s...

Theta Grove Luxury Apartments

Theta Grove – Luxury 55+ Living in Vernon, New Jersey Welcome to Theta Grove, a beautifully designed 55+ rental community offering modern comfort, elegant living spaces, and a relaxed lifestyle in the scenic township of Vernon, New Jersey. Thoughtfully created for active adults seeking maintenance-free living, Theta Grove combines contemporary architecture with upscale finishes and peaceful surroundings. Each residence features spacious, open-concept layouts, modern kitchens, large windows that fill the apartments with natural light, and private balconies where residents can relax and enjoy the surrounding views. Every detail has been carefully considered to provide comfort, convenience, and a refined living experience. THETA GROVE Hello Neighbor, Designed for those ready to enjoy the next chapter of “No more outdoor maintenance." No more surprises. Just modern, spacious 55+ living with everything taken care of. ”We wanted to personally invite you to stop by for your personal Apartment Tours at Theta Grove. 🏡 What You’ll Experience • Guided tours of model residences • Full access to community amenities • Meet the Theta Grove team ✨ Designed for Modern Living • Spacious 1-bedroom &amp; 1-bedroom + den apartments • Quartz countertops &amp; stainless-steel appliances • In-unit washer &amp; dryer • Private balconies (select units) • Elevator-served building with upscale finishes 🌿 Community Amenities • Fitness center • Resident lounge &amp; game room • Outdoor BBQ &amp; gathering areas • Bocce court • Garage &amp; surface parking 🎯 Now Leasing • Starting at $2,350/month • Immediate move-ins available • Prime Vernon Town Center location 🎁 Special Leasing Offer ONE MONTH FREE on a 13-month lease Lease must start on or before 01/30/26

Sussex County

Sussex

Vernon

Theta Grove – Luxury 55+ Living in Vernon, New Jersey Welcome to Theta Grove, a beautifully designed 55+ rental community offering modern comfort,...

Man Was Drag Racing On Route 17 When He Crashed...

A man was speeding when he crashed into a woman's car on Route 17 in Paramus, seriously injuring her, prosecutors said.

Man Was Drag Racing On Route 17 When He Crashed Into Woman's Jeep: Bergen County Prosecutors

Man Was Racing On Route 17 When He Crashed Into Woman: Bergen County Prosecutor

Man Was Drag Racing On Route 17 When He Crashed Into Woman: Bergen County Prosecutor

Crime & Safety

🌱 Patch AM: Learn about Bone Health After...

Spotted on the Englewood calendar: Unemployed? Obtain a Free Training Grant for Top Certifications

🌱 Patch AM: Learn about Bone Health After Injury or Surgery with HSS! and 13 more events

Community Corner

Ridgewood-Glen Rock

Raccoon Bit Child And Adult In Ridgewood,...

A raccoon is on the lam after attacking a 7-year-old boy and an adult in Ridgewood over the weekend, police say.

Raccoon Bit Child And Adult In Ridgewood, Police Say

Fair Lawn-Saddle Brook

Dump Truck Smashes Car On Route 208 In Fair Lawn

A dump truck crashed into a car on Route 208 in Fair Lawn, then pushed it along the highway. See photos.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Discover more in Englewood-Englewood Cliffs

Find and sell treasures, hire and offer services. All in your community

New Milford, NJ|Featured Classified|Announcement|4h

Award-Winning Educator and Coach Ray Cottiers Leaves Classroom to Lead Varsity Prep USA Full-Time

New York City, NY|Featured Classified|Gigs & Services|14h

Hebrew Italian English Language Lessons and Tutoring Available

Englewood-Englewood Cliffs, NJ|Local Classified|Announcement|May 12

NAESP Announces The Elisabeth Morrow School as 2026 National Gold Star Recipient

Englewood-Englewood Cliffs, NJ|Local Classified|Other|May 14

Classes and Services for Men

Unemployed? Obtain a Free Training Grant for Top Certifications

MBA Open House at Berkeley College

Award-Winning Educator and Coach Ray Cottiers Leaves Classroom to Lead Varsity Prep USA Full-Time

Hebrew Italian English Language Lessons and Tutoring Available

Bergen County Rowing Academy

Alliance Homecare

PSE&G

Theta Grove Luxury Apartments