Women’s History Month is a time to honor the women that have made change. Although many authors are now women, just several decades ago women were writing under male names in hopes of being published. For the month of March, think of picking up a classic novel written by a women, here are a few to think of:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

A young orphaned girl, Jane Eyre, is forced to grow up in the cruel ways of her aunt's home. With her soon found independence she gets a job as a governess for Mr Rochester. She is forced to decide whether she shall stay with Mr Rochester and give up the life she once knew.

This classic is a gothic and historical fiction novel. This novel had originally been published under the name Currer Bell and was deemed a bestseller almost immediately. Many readers claim that this book carried a strong message within the branches of the plot.

Charlotte Bronte is the first of the three famous Bronte sisters. She originally published Jane Eyre in 1847 and had become very popular. Charlotte Bronte would unfortunately pass away at 38 years old in 1855 in Haworth, United Kingdom.

Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Young scientist, Victor Frankenstein, is driven by a desire to escape death and unlock the many secrets of life. In trying to do so he uses restored body parts to create a human-like creature. The creature is then left to navigate the rough conditions of the icy Swiss alps.

This classic is a science fiction novel. This novel highlights the ethics that had been going into science for years. This novel was anonymously published in 1818 and has been loved and praised since then.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist in the 1800s. She was most known for her marriage to Percy Bysshe Shelley and her most famous work Frankenstein. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley unfortunately passed away at 53 years old in 1851.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

There is a new tenant at Thrushcross Grange who was forced to seek shelter at the home of his landlord one night. He is quick to discover an intense relationship between Heathcliff, a gypsy foundling, and Catherine Earnshaw. It is then that the innocent heirs of the next generation are left to escape the legacy of the past.

This classic is a gothic historical fiction novel. This novel was originally published under the name Ellis Bell, but would be changed to Emily Bronte in 1850. When originally published this book created fierce controversy between its readers that it is currently praised for.

Emily Bronte is the second of the three famous Bronte sisters. Her first published book was a collection of poems shared with her sister. She is most known for her novel Wuthering Heights. She would unfortunately pass away at 30 years old in 1848.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The March sisters, Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy, are united together to survive through the Civil War in New England. Meg and Jo are left to support the family, picking up odd jobs to make money. Throughout the novel Meg is propositioned with marriage, but pushes to do so later in life.

This classic is a romance and historical novel.  This novel was loosely based on Louisa May Alcott and her three sisters during the civil war. Many readers claim that this coming-of-age novel had the right amount of everything sprinkled throughout.

Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist. Her family had been struggling financially, leaving her no choice but to find a job. She had used several pen names to publish her works such as A.M. Barnard. She would unfortunately pass away at 55 years old in 1888 only two days after her fathers’ passing.

1. Folklore (2020): Taylor Swift

Folklore Taylor Swift’s 8th studio album invites listeners into a world of fictional storytelling with its beautifully haunting melodies and vivid, story-driven lyrics that prove Taylor has staying power in the industry. Folklore is a soothing, indie-folk-sounding piece that gives listeners a reflective escape and a deep emotional connection from the cardigan left under someone’s bed to the lone mirrorball shining just for you; Folklore definitely deserves a listen.

2. Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023): Lana Del Rey 

“Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?” Lana’s ninth studio album invites listeners straight into her uniquely nostalgic, cinematic world. Lush orchestration and vulnerable lyricism explore themes of memory, legacy, and the bittersweet nature of fading moments. The slow but dreamy ballad definitely creates an immersive experience for anyone listening. If you’re interested, I’d recommend a cold glass of A&W while you wait at your back door for this album to take you away.

3. GUTS (2023): Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album GUTS is definitely deserving of quite a few listens. Olivia comments on the hardships of growing pains, messy more mature breakups than just a high school relationship, and many other relatable topics. Miss Prom Queen has totally mastered her craft in raw confessional songwriting that not only delivers catchy hooks but also channels essence from stars like Avril Lavigne and Bruce Springsteen. Overall GUTS is an emotional rollercoaster entirely giving teenage angst; if you're willing to listen be prepared to spill your guts.

4. SOS (2022): SZA

Listening to SOS by SZA is a must for anyone craving a raw exploration of love and vulnerability, as SZA fearlessly confronts heartache and life with cutting lyrics like “Let’s talk about A.I, robot more heart than I” from her track Ghost In The Machine or “I gotta let you go, I must cause you’re the only one that’s holding’ me down” from Open Arms. These lyrics and more from this album perfectly capture SZA’s unapologetic vulnerability. Its Innovative production and candid storytelling create a beautifully emotional environment anyone can relate to. 

5. eternal sunshine (2024): Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is no stranger when it comes to good writing and vulnerable lyrics but her album eternal sunshine really takes the cake. The album is a gorgeously melancholy album touching on the loss of love and finding love within one’s self; the album makes huge references to the film “eternal sunshine of a spotless mind” including the title of the album which is especially seen in songs like “I Wish I Hated you” and “We Can’t Be Friends (wait for your love)”. The song also overall has fantastic visuals and perfectly captures the feeling of heartbreak in a new inventive way. So cling to your papers and pens while you sit down and fall in love with the beauty of this album.

6. email’s i can’t send (2022): Sabrina Carpenter

“emails i can’t send” is Sabrina Carpenter’s 5th studio album and is for sure her most heartbreaking album to date. The album goes over the usual heartbreak feelings but also divulges into topics of generational trauma, overall image with the media, and feelings of self-doubt. With song lyrics like “you can’t spell lonesome without me” from the song “Lonesome”, “She looks nothing like me, so why do you look so happy?” from Opposite, “I’m a homewrecker i’m a slut, I got death threats filling up semi-trucks” from “because i liked a boy”, and finally “don’t think I’ll find forgiveness as fast as mom did” from the album's title track. These lyrics are accompanied by beautiful production as well as a few bops in between to round this off as a great body of music.

7. Vertigo (2024): Griff

With the talent Griff has, there's enough to keep the party going! “Vertigo” by Griff is her debut album but that doesn't mean novice at all for this popstar; Griff’s writing showcases the feelings of loss, dealing with change, and self-discovery. The album is chalked full of beautiful ballads like “Astronaut” and “Hole In My Pocket” while also keeping you on your toes with fun dance songs like “Miss Me Too” and “Tears For Fun”. The production is fantastic too and don’t be fooled just because Griff isn’t as popular as these other artists she’s definitely a force to be reckoned with. Now to listen to this album I’d keep a pillow in my arms and pretend it’s listening too.

8. The Good Witch (2023): Maisie Peters

Behold the greatness of British singer Maisie Peters! What secrets does the album “The Good Witch” hold? I’d say just like a laid-out deck of tarot cards, Maisie lays it all down in front of the listener with her deep and vulnerable lyrics that go over her personal misfortunes and how karma can be a real pain in the behind for people who cross her. Overall the album is a lot of fun and includes great bops like “Body Better” and “Lost The Breakup”. “The Good Witch” also has its fair share of depressing songs like “Want You Back”, “Yoko”, and “Two Weeks Ago”. Maisie is a real and honest treat so I’d definitely recommend her if you have the chance. Just make sure to avoid the black keys and make it through September as you go!

9. Hit Me Hard And Soft (2024): Billie Eilish

Billie Eillish’s best work to date is how I would describe this; although the album is short with only 10 tracks she really makes it work. Billie once again returns with the tragic songwriting and incredible vocals fans have grown to love. The album touches on loss within love, uncomfortable parasocial relationships, and adapting to the new world. This record is already becoming a timeless classic with songs like “Birds of a Feather” and “Lunch” as well as including lyrics like “people say I look happy just because I got skinny” from the song Skinny and “like a fever like i'm burning alive like a sign did i cross the line?” from Wildflower. This is just the tip of the iceberg with the album and you definitely need to give Billie Eillish’s third studio album “Hit Me Hard And Soft” a listen.

10. Future Nostalgia (2020): Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa’s “Future Nostalgia” has already become a classic of the decade; the album is just perfect for its time, when you have people struggling during the global pandemic unable to leave the house; “Future Nostalgia” comes in like a saving grace for everyone around the world. It’s a perfect disco funk album referencing/sampling old hits from the past and creating something entirely new thous the name “Future Nostalgia”. With tracks like “Don’t Start Now”, “Break My Heart”, “Levitating”, “Physical”, and “Love Again” this album made hit after hit ensuring that the party never ends and solidifying itself a spot on this list!

11. brat (2024): Charli XCX

“Brat” by Charli XCX is also another great dance album. Although unlike Dua Lipa’s 24/7 party never stops vibe, Charli takes a step back from the party almost like when you use the bathroom during it all and the music is faintly still there in the background with tracks like “I might say something stupid” and “I think about it all the time” these little air pockets are just brief moments on the record almost like we’re not supposed to see this side of Charli so we resume the festivities with songs like “Von Dutch” and “Club Classics”. There are also some songs like “Girl so confusing” and “So I” touching on the topics of jealousy and self-worth. Overall the album is great and definitely deserves attention.

12. Think Later (2023): Tate McRae

What happens when you take a sad Canadian dancer and give her a hockey aesthetic? That's what “Think Later” by Tate McRae is. The album is a great mix of raw and vulnerable songs like “Stay Done” and “Grave” and more fun dance songs like “Greedy” and the title track “Think Later”. “Think Later” is a perfect title for the album as the album divulges into themes of growing up, making mistakes due to rash actions, and the usual heartbreak. This album definitely proves not only can Tate perform but she can also really write her feelings down in such a beautifully tragic way. With fun lyrics like “met you out on a night out in Boston” and “Kisses to my exes who don’t give a shit about me” to keep the balance perfectly. In the end “Think Later” by Tate McRae is a fantastic sophomore record and The album should be listened to cause Tate deserves the praise.

13. C,XOXO (2024): Camila Cabello

C,Xoxo by Camila Cabello is definitely a bizarre album to say the least. But that’s nowhere near an insult! The album is a great piece of work and shows Camila’s struggles in her daily life,with fame, and heartbreak. The album takes reference from Camila’s hometown Miami Florida, showing listeners an authentic glimpse into her world. Overall it’s a fun diverse body of work with hyper pop songs like “I Luv It” and the more classic disco pop songs like “He Knows” as well as latin influenced songs like “Hot Uptown” and “Baby Pink”.The album definitely deserves a listen.

14. The Rise And Fall Of a Midwest Princess (2023): Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan’s surprising debut album is a smash hit! It has an amazing story about the struggles with family and juggling the lives between California and her homeland Missouri. The album is also a great representation of queer love and gives listeners someone to relate to which is great because there’s still a severe lack of that these days. The album is a mix of 80’s, synth, and disco pop, including fun songs like “Hot To Go” and “After Midnight” as well as more somber ballads like “Casual” and “Kaleidoscope”. Chappell is definitely on the rise and deserves more recognition.

15. Silence Between Songs (2023): Madison Beer

“Silence Between Songs” is a fantastic sophomore album and definitely Madison’s best work. The album is a slow indie vibe with some pop mixed in, but it’s an amazing ride covering topics of depression, loneliness, heartbreak, and familial issues. It’s very raw and vulnerable as Madison takes the listener in places some artists wouldn't dare to go with songs like “silence between songs”, “envy the leaves,” and “ryder.”.. It also helps that her amazing vocal performance enhances the experience with songs like “nothing matters but you” and “sweet relief”. I’d definitely recommend running through cornfields for this listen to get the full effect.

Have you ever passed a certain classroom on a Friday, and heard an enthusiastic song playing? That would be Ms. Riccardi’s classroom and the Friday song by Nightcrawlers and Riton that she plays to leave for the weekend on a positive note! Ms. Riccardi plays the Friday song for her class every week on Friday. The idea originally came from her kids, who would play the song after doing their work. 

Ms. Riccardi often asks her kids for guidance on her lessons and eventually proposed the idea of using the Friday song in class, her co-teacher at the time Mrs. Kish, who no longer works at BHS, was fully on board and ready to bring in the energy to class.  

Ms. Riccardi is an inspiring teacher who leaves a lasting impression on all of her students. 

Before becoming a teacher she was a Journalist in Hoboken doing Human Interest stories. Ms. Riccardi started teaching in 1995, working in Union City. There Ms. Riccardi developed an AP English Literature & Composition Program since there was not one offered. She shared ideas for a diverse curriculum, representing an blend of voices/stories. That summer Ms. Riccardi attended the AP Institute at LaSalle University, and worked on solidifying the curriculum by the end of July, which was when it was approved. 

Later Ms. Riccardi stepped back from teaching to raise her 4 children who were all under the age of 5. She did not want to leave her career as a teacher forever. To stay in the field, Ms. Riccardi taught as a professor at Bergen Community College part-time at night and eventually started doing day classes as well. Ms. Riccardi taught freshman composition courses, which she taught similarly to the way she has always approached classes, with discussion, collaborative assignments, journals, and open-ended writing prompts. 

Throughout her many years of teaching, Ms. Riccardi has developed a style of teaching that makes learning fun. With student-centered lessons, that involve lots of collaboration and movement. She believes students can not sit at a desk all day to learn.  From the beginning, Ms. Riccardi has had her classroom desks in a circle orientation, so that everyone can be seen. It sets up the room to build a sense of community. 

At the start of every school year, Ms. Riccardi has the class create “Words to live by” where students make rules from the classroom. It allows students to be held accountable for the expectations they set for themselves. She strives to build an environment that develops deeper thinking and decision-making for students who will one day contribute to society outside of the classroom. She says that her ultimate goal is to make students feel successful by adapting to a student's needs because everyone learns differently. 

One of Ms. Riccardi's favorite assignments is her “Where I'm From/Where I'm Going” poems at the start and end of the school year. She loves it because of how students get to learn about themselves and celebrate their work. The “Where I'm From” poem is about who you are as a person, as it says, where you're from. Not just culturally but from traditions or unique things about you. You can open up about things in your life, good and bad. The “Where I’m Going” Poem at the end of the year is about what is ahead of you. Where you hope to be in the future, near or far. Each poem can be as abstract or as literal as you want it to be. For each of the poems, Ms. Riccardi does a gallery where her students can walk around the class and read each other's poems. It helps further build a sense of community so that everyone can learn about each other in the class and always feel welcomed like one big family. 

Previously, Ms. Riccardi wanted to be an actress. She says “Acting seems like pretending to be someone you’re not. We are all capable of being and feeling anything. It's a way of expressing and connecting to a person. In a way that’s what teaching is. Through experiences and shared stories.” Through her animated and energetic personality, she acts out and expresses her passion for what she does as a teacher. Ms. Riccardi does not regret her choice to be a teacher, as it is her true calling.

Teaching is Ms. Riccardi’s passion, and it shows. She thrives in a learning environment and still considers herself a student. She sees every day as a gift and a new opportunity to work with her students and also learn from, relate to, and understand them. Ms. Riccardi strives to learn something new from every experience. She has an understanding of life from many different perspectives. As a mother, teacher, and previous student it allowed her to be fully empathic to every perspective. Thus bringing her understanding of what her students are going through to a new level.

Women’s History month is a month to highlight and mention amazing women who have an impact on others, inspire, and break barriers everyday. A woman that has made an impact on life at Bloomfield High School is Ms. Matthews. She is a wonderful, hardworking case manager who can make any student feel like they've known her for years. She is also an alumnus of Bloomfield High School. Below is a brief interview with Ms. Matthews.

Q: What sparked your interest in education?

A: To be honest, I started my career off in clinical mental health counseling. During the pandemic I had a newborn and also lost my mother. I realized that, yes, I love clinical work although with a new baby in the picture I wanted to shift my focus back to helping children in education and being able to help the youth.

Q: What has been experienced as a female working in education?

A: Being a female in education is very interesting to me. Actually being a female in the workforce itself is just an experience. As a woman in education, especially a black woman, I am always mindful of how I present myself. Many people make an assumption when I am assertive, that I am aggressive, but they are not used to women speaking up for themselves sometimes in most cases black women. I feel as though I am always working extra due to the fact I am a woman just to show I am just as capable as anyone whether it's male or female.

Q: What is your goal in teaching?

A: I do not teach but my goal in life is to educate others on things they might not know whether it is life experiences, school, relationship etc.”

Q: What keeps you going?

A: My children and my love for the field keeps me going. I love working with my students and seeing the growth from freshman year to senior year both academically, mentally and emotionally. I love that I am a Bloomfield Alumni because Bloomfield is truly my home. I have played basketball my whole life in Bloomfield from elementary to the traveling team in middle school to high school basketball scoring Bloomfield's 1000 point as the first girl in 10 years from that time. I also played professional basketball overseas. I strive to work hard in my life and have opened up a private practice because I love therapy and want to help others in need.

Ms. Matthews has a clear passion and dedication to helping others and focusing on mental health at Bloomfield High School.

March marks Women's History Month. It is the perfect time to acknowledge hard-working and brave women. There is one prominent woman here in Bloomfield that is not talked about enough. Her name is Stephanie Orgueira-Aponte. Stephanie Orgueira-Aponte is a special woman because she carries the title of the first woman to serve the Bloomfield Fire Department, 140 Years since its establishment. Her story is truly remarkable.

Stephanie has wanted to become a firefighter since the age of 13.  She was often told by others that a firefighter is not a fitting job for a woman.  However Orgueira-Aponte did not let those claims stop her. She always had a positive mindset and was persistent in achieving her dream job.

Nine years later, at the age of 21, Stephanie was offered an internship for a fire service in the town of Secaucus. Several years after being offered the internship, Stephanie caught the eye of the Bloomfield Fire Department. The fire department saw Stephanie's incredible skills and dedication, and they knew they could not miss out and hired her as a firefighter. She began to fit in right away and excelled at her job, since she had already had a lot of experience prior to her promotion. Stephanie Orgueira-Aponte is an outstanding figure that should get more recognition for Women's History Month because she demonstrates the embracing of equality and did not let gender stereotypes stop her big dream of becoming a firefighter. 

Natalia Sierpes was 22 years old when she came to the United States in 2009. She worked in many places such as gas stations, bakeries, restaurants, and truck companies doing payroll. She met her now husband; Claudio, while working and years later they got engaged. They decided to open a coffee shop and started looking for a place.

After a long time, they found this place in Broughton Avenue that used to be Wonder Bagels. They transformed it into a coffee shop/bakery. They decided on naming it Rombiolo since it’s a small place in south Italy and Natalia’s parents are from there. 

Natalia stated “the first year was very hard, we worked many hours and did not have money to hire employees, but the sacrifice was worth it.” After three years, they were able to stabilize expenses and hire employees. Rombiolo’s owners are Uruguayan and Argentinian so they have many products from their countries. Their reviews are amazing and a lot of people enjoy their food. 

In addition, Natalia decided to go to college since it was a pending task that she had left since she was 18 years old and she enrolled in Essex County College as a part time student and got her major in Criminal Justice. She stated “my business is not easy, it’s very stressful and at the same time it gives me so much satisfaction. I met great people from our community and it gave me the possibility of achieving personal goals, graduating was one of them. It was very tough but after 10 years of being a business owner I’m proud of all the sacrifice I made in my life and I know great things are coming.” 

Natalia’s business is now thriving and they actually expanded their business last year. Rombiolo Bakery and Cafe is located at 119 Broughton Avenue, Bloomfield. They’re open from Tuesday through Saturday 6 am - 5 pm and on Sundays from 7 am until 3 pm.

Tracy Kelly was born in Jamaica and was raised in Central Jersey. Tracy developed a habit of working out ever since she was 6. She ran track from the age of 6 to college and even after she still ran track. While in college she studied Business Administration with a focus for business fashion. Tracy ended up switching to health and wellness where she worked for The Vitamin Shoppe where she was a buyer serving clients things that included Earth Mama, EO, Garden of Life, Cellucor, and Quest Nutrition. 

While constantly being in the health and wellness industry, she explored weightlifting and discovered the benefits to pilates and incorporated it into her daily routine. After Tracy had her second child she was diagnosed with Diastasis Recti. Diastasis recti is a common condition in pregnant and postpartum women. It occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles separate during pregnancy from being stretched. The separation can make a person's belly stick out or bulge months or years postpartum. 

Tracy learned that this can be healed and treated by practicing Pilates. She was amazed with the results and went to get her Pilates certification while on maternity leave which has kept her fit, toned, and most importantly strong! She makes an impact on our community for people of all ages and especially wanted to help other mothers, specifically women of color, and others who have been injured or or affected by and chronic illness. Her studio is located at 293 Glenwood Avenue right in the heart of Bloomfield Center.This method can be for anyone who is starting their wellness journey or just wanted a new way to exercise! Stop in soon to support local business, local women, and your own health!

Signora Pellicane, or as most students know her, Mrs. P, is currently the only Italian teacher at Bloomfield High School. Not only does she teach seven Italian classes this year, she also runs the World Language Honors Society and the Italian Club. 

Mrs. Pellicane was born in Hoboken, but her parents are from Molfetta, a seaside town in southern Italy. When in the United States, she pursued Italian studies in college, earning a B.A. in Italian from Montclair State University. She also has a Masters in Educational Leadership from MSU as well as her supervisor certificate and principal’s license. 

After working in corporate in NYC, she found she did not enjoy it and tried teaching at Clifton High School where she found her affinity for teaching. She started teaching at Bloomfield High School in 1999. Currently, she teaches all of the Italian courses including three Italian 1 classes, two Italian 2 classes, and one Italian 3 and Italian 4 class. She teaches seven classes split between six periods, with Italian 3 and 4 combined into one. 

She is also the advisor of the Italian Club here at Bloomfield High School where they host a series of events and activities regarding the language and culture of Italy. They are even hosting a fundraiser currently by selling Italian club apparel. 

Mrs. Pellicane is very dedicated to her work, creating her own lesson plans and ways of teaching new concepts. With teaching all four years of Italian available, she is able to be aware of her student's level of knowledge and can meet them where they’re at. Her classroom is a relaxed environment allowing students to bond with each other and her while learning the Italian language and culture. 

Though she loves the subject matter, Mrs. Pellicane’s favorite thing about teaching is the connections she forms with her students and the role she plays in the community. Teaching students for up to 4 years allows her to create close bonds with students. She often feels like she can learn just as much from them as they can from her.