Plainfield
Education
NJ governor steps in after school district shockingly runs out of money
EAST ORANGE — It’s a rocky, uncertain time for teachers and students of Essex County. Schools Superintendent Christopher Irving said the district is unexpectedly facing a $25 million deficit. If no moves are made, he expects his district to run out of funds by May, according to New Jersey 101.5.
Westfield Kindergarten Teacher Linda Steele to Retire After 18 Years with District
WESTFIELD, NJ — Lincoln School kindergarten teacher Linda Steele, who has worked in the Westfield school district for 18 years, will be retiring at the end of the school year. The school board approved her retirement at last week’s meeting.“Linda Steele has dedicated 18 years to nurturing the educational journey of countless kindergarten students, fostering the deep love of learning and supporting their growth,” Superintendent Dr. Raymond González said at the meeting Oct. 15.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTERKnown for her innovative teaching methods, Steele integrates hands-on learning with activities that enhance...
East Orange School District violated state regulations, N.J. DOE says
EAST ORANGE, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Education says the East Orange School District violated state regulations.According to East Orange City Hall, 71 in-school staff members and four district employees are being laid off, and 18 employees are retiring or moving to new assignments. This is all due to a $25 million budget shortfall.In a statement Tuesday, the DOE says the district failed to promptly notify them about the conditions behind the deficit:"East Orange School District's reports that they are experiencing a budget shortfall and must lay off staff so early in the school year raises concern. Notably,...
Weekend Sports Recap: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Boys Soccer Advances to Union County Championship, Football Defeats Perth Amboy
SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ – This past weekend in sports for Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School saw Football defeat Perth Amboy and Boys Soccer advance to the final round of the Union County Tournament.Boys SoccerCLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTERScotch Plains-Fanwood advances to the championship round of the 2024 Union County Tournament, defeating Oratory 2-0 on Saturday, Oct. 19. Both goals for the Raiders came from junior Jayvon Young and freshman Anastasio Pavlou.SPF will have a highly anticipated matchup for the County Championship, facing long-time rival school Westfield on Saturday, Oct. 28.Related: Union County...
Field Hockey: South Plainfield Victory Over Middletown South Friday Prepares Team for Tuesday GMC Showdown
SOUTH PLAINFIELD -- Senior forward/back Amber Olsen scored a third quarter goal to pace South Plainfield to a 1-1 home tie with Middletown South on Senior Night Friday. Senior midfielder Caroline Bedetti scored a goal in the fourth quarter to tie the game for Middletown South (9-5-4), who are 2-2-2 in their last six games. Senior goalie Laci Sikora made 16 saves for the Tigers (8-7-1), who are 1-5-1 in their last seven games. The tie was the first for South Plainfield since a 1-1 road deadlock at Metuchen on Oct. 6, 2021. "Last Friday was a great night...
Principal Jim Gargiulo: A Dedicated Leader Nurturing Community and Excellence at The Academy of Our Lady of Peace
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - In a recent conversation, Jim Gargiulo, Principal of The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (AOLP), shared insights into his long-standing role at the school, where he has been a part of the community since September 2000. His journey began in a part-time capacity as a gym teacher, and in March 2024, he stepped into the principal role. Despite his new administrative responsibilities, Jim continues to teach gym classes, handle lunch and recess duties, and remain deeply involved with the students.“I like it that way,” he said. “It keeps me connected to...
Union High School's Junior Bonfire Bash Burns Bright
UNION, NJ – Union High School juniors held their Bonfire Bash on Thursday night at the school, sponsored by the Union High School PTA and hosted with the assistance of many from the Township.“I want to give a huge shout-out to the UHSPTA, the Union EMU, the Union Fire Department, the Union Police Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Union Board of Education," said UHS PTA President Lory Montoya. "This junior class thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you to Caffrey Wood, First Watch and Master Pizza for your donations to our event. Thank you 530 Music Group for the music.”CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTERMontonya said the PTA has been hosting the bonfire for the past three years. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of all the kids and all the positive comments about how great it was makes it all worth it,” she said. “We love to see all these departments come through for these amazing kids. Thank you all for making it an amazing event.” For more local news, visit TAPinto.net
Franklin Elementary Hosts Pumpkin Patch Event for Pre-K and Kindergarten Students
RAHWAY, NJ — Franklin Elementary School transformed into "Franklin Farms,” bringing fall festivities to life with a special pumpkin patch event for Pre-K and Kindergarten students. The school's youngest learners spent a day filled with excitement as they carefully selected pumpkins and posed for photos among hay bales, enjoying the beauty of the fall season.PTA President Shavon Smith-Simons and Vice President Nicole Simpson warmly welcomed each group, providing instructions before the students eagerly picked out their perfect pumpkins. The event created lasting memories, with smiles filling the faces of students and staff alike. Upper-grade students also...
Union High School Students Show Gratitude to U.S. Soldiers with Letters and Care Packages
UNION, NJ - Students at Union High School showed their patriotism and care by participating in Operation Gratitude last week.Operation Gratitude's mission is to send care packages and letters to troops serving overseas so that they feel a sense of appreciation from those back home."It may seem like a small gesture, but to that lady or gentleman who's out there defending us, it's so important to receive that letter of warmth from home," said Union Mayor Manny Figueiredo.Gina Gili, a faculty member at Kean University, helps oversee the program at the local college level and partnered...
Union High School Gymnast Crowned Union County All Around Champ
UNION, NJ – Union High School’s Lailah Willis took home the title of Union County All Around Champion at the Union County Tournament last week.Union gymnastics competed in the Tournament on Thursday and had a great meet all around, said district Athletic Director Ron Zieser, but “Lailah Willis stole the show.” CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTERWillis placed first on Vault with a 9.55; second on Bars with an 8.65; first on Beam with a 9.45; and third place on Floor with a 9.25 “She was great,” said Zieser, “and she couldn't have done it without the amazing energy and support of her teammates.” For more local news, visit TAPinto.net
Parsippany High Football Falls to West Side in Friday Night Game
NEWARK, NJ - The West Side High School Football team shut out Parsippany in a 34-0 victory on Friday night. The game started quietly, with both teams failing to score in the first half. West Side's defense stifled Parsippany’s offense, while Parsippany’s defense also held strong early on, leading to a scoreless tie at halftime.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTERIn the second half, however, West Side took control. They exploded for 34 unanswered points, dominating both sides of the ball. Parsippany quarterback Kevin Regan completed 10 of 18 passes for 63 yards but threw four interceptions. Their running game also faltered, with the team managing only 42 rushing yards on 16 attempts.Mathew Parker led Parsippany’s receiving corps with two catches for 32 yards, but their offense failed to find the end zone. Defensively, Parsippany put up a solid effort in the first half, with Omar Amin recording eight total tackles, while Lukas Grippo and Dante Mauriello added six tackles each.With the win, West Side improves to 3-5 on the season, while Parsippany remains at 0-7. For more local news, visit TAPinto.net
Students Explore Variety of Interests at Club Day
RAHWAY, NJ — On September 24, during Rahway High School's annual Club Day, the school's gymnasium was packed with hundreds of students all eager to join clubs catering to their specific interests. Though the cafeteria was used for last year's Club Day, the gym was deemed a more suitable place because it allowed for more space for the students to walk around to see all the clubs. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTERTwo of the most popular clubs appeared to be the Chef's Club and Outdoors Club. It didn't help that the two were...
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