Farley named Teacher of the Year at West Orange HS

Farley named Teacher of the Year at West Orange HS

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Beloved West Orange High School music director William Farley has been named West Orange High School’s Teacher of the Year for 2022-23. The surprise announcement came on Dec. 9, as Farley was conducting class. Farley has taught at WOHS for 22 years, where he has served as the music director for […]

West Orange School District lays out plans, progress in diversity recruitment

West Orange School District lays out plans, progress in diversity recruitment

WEST ORANGE, NJ — While the West Orange School District’s teacher ethnic makeup does not match the student ethnic makeup, progress on that front is being made. At the Nov. 21 West Orange Board of Education meeting, Joseph Vespignani, the district’s executive director of personnel and special projects, gave a presentation titled “Diversity Data and […]

Local food pantry gives thanks for generous West Orange community

Local food pantry gives thanks for generous West Orange community

WEST ORANGE, NJ — In a year filled with challenges, the Holy Trinity–West Orange Food Pantry was able to provide more than 400 turkeys and Thanksgiving side bags to needy families via its distribution on Nov. 21 and 22, mainly due to the generosity of the West Orange community. “Don’t believe the naysayers that have […]

WOHS students, employees hold clap out for Hayden Moore on his last day

WOHS students, employees hold clap out for Hayden Moore on his last day

WEST ORANGE, NJ — In an emotional and heartfelt clap out, Hayden Moore was feted by staff and students at West Orange High School on Nov. 18 as his last day as the school’s principal came to a close. Moore has moved on to serve as West Orange assistant superintendent of schools under interim Superintendent […]

St. Cloud Elementary participates in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

St. Cloud Elementary participates in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

WEST ORANGE, NJ — On Nov. 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges walked through the doors of William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, La. In doing so, the 6-year-old made history as being the first black child to enter the school as a student, effectively bringing integration to the segregated elementary school. When the AAA safety […]

Redwood celebrates Blue Ribbon status with student, staff, former principals

Redwood celebrates Blue Ribbon status with student, staff, former principals

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Redwood Elementary School celebrated its Blue Ribbon status with a special parade for students, staff and former Redwood principals on Nov. 7. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a U.S. Department of Education award program that recognizes exemplary public and nonpublic schools on a yearly basis. The Redwood community donated […]

Environmentally-friendly artificial floating islands debut at Degnan Park

Environmentally-friendly artificial floating islands debut at Degnan Park

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The artificial floating islands project, first introduced by West Orange Township Council President Susan McCartney, is finally a reality at Vincent’s Pond at Degnan Park. An AFI is a man-made floating structure on which aquatic vegetation grows. The islands provide an affordable solution for improving water quality issues, preserving shorelines and […]

Hazel Elementary holds first ESL Night

Hazel Elementary holds first ESL Night

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Hazel Elementary School held a successful English-as-a-second-language event on Oct. 27, providing an opportunity for the Hazel community to gain knowledge and obtain tools and resources to help their children succeed at school and at home. For families who do not speak English, navigating the school website and communicating with teachers […]

Kelly Elementary School holds Walk to School Day

Kelly Elementary School holds Walk to School Day

WEST ORANGE, NJ — After a two-year postponement due to the pandemic, Kelly Elementary School students, parents and teachers again participated in National Walk to School Day on Oct. 13. This marks the seventh year that the school has promoted the event to encourage healthy exercise and bring attention to the need for safe streets.  […]