Public support saves librarian, chorus teacher positions in West Orange School District

Public support saves librarian, chorus teacher positions in West Orange School District

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Members of the West Orange School District community spoke out at the April 19 Board of Education meeting against the elimination of Hazel Elementary School librarian Joyce Soto and Liberty Middle School chorus teacher Craig Sanphy in next year’s budget, advocating for the district to keep the positions on the payroll. […]

West Orange School District diversity, equity and access initiatives move forward

West Orange School District diversity, equity and access initiatives move forward

By Cynthia Cumming Special Correspondent WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange School District is moving forward in its commitment to diversity, equity and access. The district’s current demographic is: 36 percent black, 5 percent Asian, 33 percent Hispanic, 7 percent multiracial and 19 percent white. The demographic estimates for West Orange as of July […]

West Orange installs marker to remember Thompson

West Orange installs marker to remember Thompson

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A new historical marker honoring Anthony Thompson was unveiled Sept. 27 at Tory Corner in downtown West Orange. Thompson was the last surviving enslaved person in Essex County. He lived in West Orange across from this location as a freeman from 1833 until his death in 1884. From left are Superintendent […]

A good virtual first day of school in West Orange

A good virtual first day of school in West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Months of planning and preparation were put to the test on Sept. 14 when West Orange schools opened virtually for students in grades K through 12 and, by most accounts, things went smoothly. One parent noted, “My WOHS freshman had a great first day. From what I’m seeing/hearing from other districts, […]

Students, staff prepared for West Orange schools’ opening

Students, staff prepared for West Orange schools’ opening

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange students and staff are preparing for a unique start to the semester via Zoom and in-person orientations. West Orange High School hosted its freshman orientations a few weeks ago, following safety protocols. The orientations serve as a way to begin integrating students new to schools and create connections for […]

West Orange students to begin school year virtually

West Orange students to begin school year virtually

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Following the presentation of the preliminary school reopening plan at a West Orange Board of Education meeting in July, Superintendent of Schools Scott Cascone and a panel of other school officials held a virtual town hall on Aug. 6, revisiting the plan and introducing changes. The plan that the BOE will […]

WOSD drafts plan for return to school

WOSD drafts plan for return to school

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education discussed the path back to reopening schools in the fall at its July 20 meeting. The health and safety of students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic is the top priority, and the school population will not all return to in-person instruction at the same […]