Legionella bacteria found in several school district water fixtures

WEST ORANGE, NJ — After finding low levels of legionella bacteria in some water samples from Redwood Elementary School in August, West Orange School District contracted with Garden State Environmental to test all schools and district facilities for legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. According to a Sept. 25 update from the district, testing […]

West Orange Rotary donates backpacks to Kelly, Redwood schools

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange Rotary continued its charitable efforts with donations of backpacks to Kelly and Redwood elementary schools. Rotary members distributed backpacks at Kelly on Aug. 15 and at Redwood on Sept. 5. Kelly Principal Joanne Pollara and Redwood Principal Tim Beaumont, along with Redwood Assistant Principal Ana Marti, happily assisted the […]

West Orange students head back to school

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It was back to the classroom for West Orange public school students on Sept. 6 and, despite the sweltering temperatures, there was excitement and smiles. Superintendent of Schools Jeff Rutzky spent the day visiting the district’s 12 schools, beginning his morning at Gregory Elementary School, where he welcomed students, staff and […]

Low levels of legionella found at Redwood Elementary

WEST ORANGE, NJ — As cases of Legionnaires’ disease continue to crop up in New York and New Jersey, many public entities have been testing their buildings for legionella bacteria, which can cause the disease. In August, West Orange School District had Redwood Elementary School, where it found very low levels of legionella bacteria in […]

NJ law mandates up to 20 min. of recess

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education discussed New Jersey’s new recess legislation and how the law will affect the school day at each of the district’s seven elementary schools at its Aug. 27 meeting at West Orange High School. The law, P.L. 2018, c. 73, which was signed by Gov. Phil […]

West Orange mathematics teacher dies at 53

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Cynthia Murren Di Giovanna, a former mathematics teacher at Edison Middle School, Roosevelt Middle School and Redwood Elementary School, died suddenly on July 22. She was 53 years old. Di Giovanna spent 15 years teaching in West Orange schools and was the recipient of several accolades for teaching excellence. She served […]

Elementary schools celebrate graduating seniors with ‘clap-outs’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — As the countdown to graduation neared, graduating seniors visited their elementary schools on June 13 to be recognized by current students with “clap-outs.” The seniors walked through the halls of their old schools and were cheered by students and teachers as they passed through. The visit was not only fun for […]

WO Rotary awards $18K to nonprofits

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Rotary Club hosted residents and community organizations at Mayfair Farms for its annual Community Service Awards Luncheon on June 8, awarding $18,700 to 22 local and national nonprofit groups. The funds for the awards were raised during events held throughout the year, and go toward supporting organizations that […]

BOE considers creating consolidated ELL program

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education postponed a vote on the English Language Learners Program at its May 21 meeting, after board members decided they want to hear more feedback from parents and community members about the program changes proposed by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Eveny de Mendez and world language […]