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 […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Eighth-grade Roosevelt Middle School student Makhi Green had the opportunity to attend the Fuel Up to Play 60 Ambassador Summit in Atlanta, Ga., from July 16 to 19. Green was selected as West Orange’s student ambassador to represent the state of New Jersey. Ambassadors are student leaders who rally other students […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — “The locker room is now open!” declared Montclair State University literacy professor and Write on Sports co-director and teacher Erik Jacobson. At these words, middle school students from across Essex County raced to interview former New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree and Sports Illustrated reporter Jenny Vrentas. Twenty-six West Orange […]
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 […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — In his inimitable style, Roosevelt Middle School Principal Lionel Hush brought laughter and tears as he welcomed families to the early evening graduation of 282 eighth-grade students on June 19. As the curtains opened to present the students onstage, applause broke out. Graduating student and author/activist Marley Dias led the crowd […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange Assistant Superintendent Eveny de Mendez and world languages supervisor Felix Plata returned to the West Orange Board of Education with an update to the proposed changes to the English Language Learners program at the June 4 BOE meeting, after board members expressed concerns about the changes presented at the […]
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 […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — With its Caribbean harmonies, rhythmic movement and a story line of two star-crossed lovers, “Once On This Island Jr.” was an emotional and stirring experience at Roosevelt Middle School on the weekend of April 27. Set in the French Antilles, the musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a young peasant […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The annual Holocaust assembly at Roosevelt Middle School on April 18 featured a special performance highlighting the life and death of Anne Frank. Presented by the award-winning educational acting company “Living Voices,” “Through the Eyes of a Friend” provided a young teen’s vantage point of the Nazi occupation of Holland and […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange High School technology and engineering teacher Debra Coen has been appointed executive director of the New Jersey Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The NJTEEA is the state organization that represents all technology and engineering teachers. Coen has been employed by the West Orange School District since September 2000, teaching […]