This year, the Morris Hills faculty welcomes eight new members. These faculty members come from a variety of backgrounds and teach several different subjects, such as physics, humanities, engineering, and music.

Mr. Joseph Avagliano works in the social studies department where he teaches Modern World History and Criminology. Previously, he worked at Science Park High School in Newark. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and his master’s degree in teaching from Montclair State University. In his free time, Mr. Avagliano enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking and trail running, and he also likes to collect records. He appreciates the extremely friendly and helpful environment of Morris Hills and loves how involved the faculty and students are in the community.

Before working at Morris Hills, Mr. Hamilton worked for Picatinny Arsenal for nine years in their rapid prototype division. He collaborated with engineers and machinists to develop and manufacture different parts for the military. Now, Mr. Hamilton teaches in the engineering department at Morris Hills High School. When asked about his first impressions of the Morris Hills community, Mr. Hamilton responded that “It is very friendly, very easy to get along with, and fun. So far, it has been a great experience.” In his free time, Mr. Hamilton coaches soccer in Wharton and plays the drums, which he has done for 20 years.

Mr. Joseph Konopinski is a physics teacher who taught for half a year at Mountain Lakes High School before coming to Morris Hills.  Mr. Konopinski attended East Stroudsburg University for both his bachelors and masters degrees. At Morris Hills, he teaches AP Physics, CPA Physics, as well as ATP Physics. In his free time, Mr. Konopinski enjoys hiking, bicycling, and rock climbing. He appreciates the role the staff played in helping him transition to Morris Hills, and he feels the community is welcoming and passionate.

Mr. Maloupis joins Morris Hills as an AP Physics teacher. He teaches both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C. Previously, Mr. Maloupis worked at Ramapo High School as well as North Arlington High School. In his free time, Mr. Maloupis enjoys travelling, playing basketball, boardgames, and videogames, and archery. When asked about his first impressions of the Hills community, Mr. Maloupis said, “The student body is very diverse. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Everyone is very respectful and has a very positive energy.”

Mr. Adams joins the social studies department as a teacher of the Word History and Military courses. Mr. Adams attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary as well as Western Connecticut State University. He previously taught at the Somerset School of Technology as well as in the Joel Barlow High School in Connecticut. In his free time, Mr. Adams enjoys playing tennis, cooking, and traveling to Connecticut during weekends. Mr. Adams remarked, “I really love Morris Hills. I think it is a wonderful school. I think it is a great place and a wonderful community to learn. From the students to the staff, it is a great place.”

Mr. Corby joins Morris Hills as a math teacher. Before joining Morris Hills, Mr. Corby worked at Glen Rock High School. Mr. Corby attended The College of New Jersey. In his free time, Mr. Corby enjoys obstacle course races. Mr. Corby is excited to join the Morris Hills community, and stated that it is a comfortable place to be.

Mr. Visakay joins the Morris Hills technology department. He teaches Electricity, Fundamentals of CAD, and Intro to Tech. Mr. Visakay earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Northeastern University and earned a master’s degree at Montclair State University. Prior to joining Morris Hills, Mr. Visakay taught at Harrison High School. In his free time, Mr. Visakay enjoys watching and playing basketball as well as playing computer games. Mr. Visakay commented that the Morris Hills student body in general is very interested in the content being taught.

Mrs. Uhler joins Morris Hills as a Chorus teacher. Mrs. Uhler attended Seton Hall, where she double majored in psychology and music performance. She received her master’s degree in teaching from NJ City University and an administrative certification from Scranton University. Mrs. Uhler enjoys spending time with her family as well as teaching piano and hiking. When asked about her thoughts on the Morris Hills community, Mrs. Uhler said, “I absolutely love it here. I have had nothing but positive interactions here with students, staff, and parents. I’ve had a lot of support from the community and I love coming to work everyday.”