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'Deeply Offensive:' 30 Dwight-Englewood 7th Graders Were On Racist Text Chain, Admin Says
The Dwight-Englewood school, a private school in Bergen County, said more than 30 7th grade boys were involved in a text chain that featured racist language.
In a letter sent to parents, Jeremy Gregersen, the head of school, said the texts contained highly-charged language and anti-Black, racist memes.
"My stomach dropped even further as I found that my son was included in the text chain," Gregersen said.
Gregersen said the boys on the text chain have various degrees of culpability. Some simply said nothing, others laughed and egged it on while others posted offensive comments and memes, G…
Stephanie Weymouth, Victim Killed In NJ Crash, Was Enthusiastic Teacher Who Led Full Life
Stephanie Weymouth, a Wilmington, Mass. native, is being remembered for her passion for teaching and performing after being killed in a car crash earlier this month in Jersey City.
The 31-year-old Bayonne resident was killed Saturday, Feb. 3, in a car crash after the vehicle she was riding in struck the back of a tractor trailer, authorities said.
A 2010 graduate of Wilmington High School in Massachusetts, Weymouth moved to New Jersey to attend Drew University, graduating in 2014 with a degree in theater arts, and later receiving a master's degree in education, according to her obitua…
Keith Olkewicz, Jersey City Paraprofessional, Dies At 37: 'Blessing Of Decency'
Keith Olkewicz, a Jersey City native who returned to work at the district he graduated from, recently died at the age of 37, the district announced is a statement.
"The early death of Keith Olkewicz, an employee and colleague, is a shocking loss," Superintendent Dr. Norman Fernandez said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this immensely difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones."
My heart is broken……. Keith I can’t believe you’re gone. We were just talking about going back to Medieval Times. How’s... Posted by…
Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle
Christine Grogan, a 60-year-old Wyckoff resident, died on Sunday, Dec. 31, three years after being diagnosed with ALS.
A special education teacher, Grogan worked as director of the Epic School in Paramus and for the Learners' Compass in Tenafly, according to her obituary. Grogan was devoted to helping people diagnosed with autism.
Grogan was married to Christopher Grogan, a Glen Ridge police officer. The Glen Ridge Police Benevolent Association has established a fundraiser to assist with funeral costs. As of Friday, Jan. 5, more than $10,000 has been raised.
On Sunday, December 31, 202…
Sudden Death Of NJ District's Former Superintendent Spreads Shock, Sadness
A New Jersey school district is mourning the loss of its former superintendent.
Miguel Hernandez, 58, was currently serving as interim assistant principal at Manchester Regional High School in Passaic County, after retiring as superintendent in 2021. He died on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 58.
In response to Hernandez's passing, the school district held an early dismissal on Monday, Nov. 13.
"Losing Dr. Hernandez leaves a profound absence in our school community," Superintendent Gary Lubisco, Jr. said in a letter. "He was a valued member of our school community and will be deeply missed by studen…
Former Long Branch Cheerleader, Youth Counselor Kayla Clayton Dies, 31
Kayla Clayton, a New Jersey native who relocated to the Washington DC area, died on Oct. 10 at 31 years old.
A cause of death was not listed, however, her obituary on the Lawson Funeral Home website notes that Kayla "fought a good fight."
Kayla Felice Clayton, who was raised in Long Branch where she was a high school cheerleader, went on to attend Virginia State University, where she graduated with her bachelor's in psychology, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Kayla's obituary says she received a full scholarship to a study abroad program in Boswana, Africa, where she performed res…
Could Princeton Grad Maggie Sajak Replace Vanna White On 'Wheel Of Fortune?'
Could Maggie Sajak replace Vanna White on "Wheel Of Fortune?"
White herself certainly thinks so, she told E! News. She's filled in before, anyway.
We’re keeping it in the family – meet our special guest letter-turner, Maggie Sajak! @patsajak #Family #FamilyTime #WheelOfFortune pic.twitter.com/QJCEqzuXtz — Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) January 7, 2020
Maggie, 28, grew up in Severna Park, MD, and earned her undergrad degree from Princeton University, before completing law school at Columbia University.
She currently handles social correspondence for "Wheel Of Fortune," and as her d…
Former Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson Dies: 'Beacon Of Community Advancement'
Former Summit Mayor and Common Council President Ellen Dickson died Sunday, Sept. 24. She was 71 years old.
"While the departure of Ellen Dickson has created an irreplaceable void, her unparalleled generosity, compassion, and profound love for Summit serve to guide us all," the city said in a release.
"Ellen's commitment to Summit was deep and firmly rooted. She, along with her husband, Chip, made Summit their home for over two decades, watching their three children flourish and graduate from Summit Public Schools. Ellen was a beacon of community enhancement, deeply understanding that the e…
Ex-NJ Elementary School Teacher Sexually Assaulted Student: Prosecutor
A former New Jersey elementary school teacher has been accused of sexually assault a student in the school, who was also a friend of the family, in the late-1990s, authorities said.
Kenneth Lutz, now 52, abused the child in 1998 and 1999, while the victim was ages 12 and 13, Warren County Prosecutor James L. Pfeiffer said.
Lutz, who was in his early 20s at the time, drove the child to school daily, said Pfeiffer, who declined to note where the alleged assaults occurred.
The former teacher was charged with aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault by contact.
Lutz worked at …
'Your Soul Lives On:' North Jersey Educator, Mom Of 4 Dies From Knee Surgery Complications, 40
Morris County is mourning the unexpected loss of a beloved educator and mother of four after complications from a recent knee surgery.
Rebecca L. Koo died on Thursday, July 6, her obituary says. She was 40.
Born in Denville, Rebecca spent time in Jefferson, Randolph, and Roxbury before settling in Dover 14 years ago.
Rebecca attended Ellen T. Briggs Elementary School in Lake Hopatcong and graduated from Roxbury High School. She was a Brownie, a skilled softball player, and a 4-H club member.
After high school, Rebecca attended the County College of Morris and worked for more than two dec…
Paramus Lead Carnival Returns: Dates, Times Announced
The Paramus LEAD carnival is back.
Supported by the Paramus Police Department, the annual event at the Westfield Garden State Plaza is set to open on Thursday, May 25.
A ferris wheel, fun house, and food trucks are just some of the attractions set to make their grand return.
This year's dates are:
Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29
Wednesday, May 31 to Sunday, June 4
Wednesday June, 7 to Sunday, June 11
Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day.
The LEAD carnival is running in the west lot of the Garden St…
