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Wednesday, sep 11
Schools
Officer Will Be In Every Atlantic City School: Should All NJ Districts Have This? (
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Atlantic City has a police officer assigned to each school in its district, officials said. The city's government, police department, and school district agreed to put an officer in each K-8 school and two officers in Atlantic City High School throughout the 2024-25 academic year, the city said in a news release. The new officers were funded through a $3.75 million grant in the COPS Hiring Program. The school resource officers were assigned to their new schools on Tuesday, Sept. 10. "This is something city leaders discussed in the past, but none were able to get the job done until now," sa…
Schools
Camden Schools Superintendent Calls On Board President To Quit In Wake Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
The state-appointed superintendent for the Camden City School District is calling for the resignation of the advisory school board president amid sexual abuse allegations. Camden Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs, in a letter to the community, wrote: "In order to allow our community to heal and refocus on what truly matters—the education and future of our students— it would be in the best interest of the state-operated district of Camden City for Advisory Board President Wasim Muhammad to voluntarily relinquish his seat." "We are at the beginning of a new school year—a time that s…
Schools
Top Educators In Each Of NJ's 21 Counties Named
The New Jersey Department of Education has named the top 21 educators in the state. The department released the list of the 2024-25 New Jersey County Teachers of the Year on Tuesday, Aug. 6. They are: Atlantic County: Carly Broomhead, Visual Arts Teacher at Emma C. Attales Middle School in the Absecon School District Bergen County: Margarita Diakos, Special Education Teacher at Ramsey High School in the Ramsey School District Burlington County: Margaret Fanourgakis, Health & Physical Education Teacher at Shawnee High School in the Lenape Regional Hi…
Schools
'I Like The F— Out Of You:' NJ Teacher Has License Revoked After Lewd Comments, Officials Say
A New Jersey educator had his teaching license revoked on Thursday, June 27 after repeatedly making lewd comments to a student, officials announced. The State Board of Examiners revoked the license of East Orange English teacher Alim Hasan after he called a student "pretty", told her she smelled good, that she has a "grown woman scent" and that he "likes the f- out of her." The board said Hasan's comments "clearly demonstrate conduct that is unacceptable for a role model for a school children." "Such communications by a teacher to his student are completely inappropriate," the board w…
Schools
Contract Of Newly-Hired NJ Schools Super Rescinded Days Before Start Date
Ramapo-lndian Hills Regional High School has rescinded the contract of its brand-new superintendent just days before he was set to officially take office. In its Thursday, June 27 meeting, the district's Board of Education voted 5-0-3 to rescind the contract of Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi, which would have gone into effect on July 1. On May 28, the Board voted 9-0 in favor of approving Tarchichi's contract. ALSO SEE: Ramapo-Indian Hills' New Superintendent Comes With 2 Doctorates, Plans For Vocational Programs RIH BOE President Kim Ansh was not immediately available to comment…
Schools
Update
: 'Inappropriate Comment' Temporarily Halts Distribution Of NJ School Yearbook
A graduating Ramapo Indian Hills High School student intended "no harm or offense" with an "inappropriate comment" in the senior yearbook, the district's acting chief said Thursday night. According to parents, a graduating senior included an untoward reference to a Jewish Holocaust victim under his portrait photo. In response, Ramapo Indian Hills High School District Acting Supt. Dr. Melissa Quackenbush said officials were halting the distribution of the remaining yearbooks and were talking with the distributor about reprints. "Additionally, we are consulting with the Jewish Federatio…
Schools
NJ Town BOE Member Threatened Sup't In Trying To Reverse Son's Suspension, Ethics Board Finds
A school board trustee in Warren County crossed the line in trying to have her child's bullying suspension revoked, according to a state ethics board. Lisa Moyer, a member of the board of education in Allamuchy Township, violated several sections of the school ethics board, after her child was suspended for harassment, intimidation and bullying in 2022, the School Ethics Commission ruled. The board recommended Moyer be reprimanded for her actions in a ruling released in April. Moyer, however, says she was just trying to defend her son. Paperwork obtained by Daily Voice shows Moyer's son, 1…
Schools
Bergen County District Suddenly Terminates Super, Hires New One With Double Doctorates
Ramapo-lndian Hills Regional High School has hired a new superintendent. In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, May 28, the RIH Board of Education voted 9-0 in favor of approving Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi's contract, which goes into effect July 1. The board also voted 7-0 with two abstentions to terminate the contract of interim superintendent Dr. James Baker. When asked about the sudden termination of Baker's contract, the BOE declined to comment on personnel matters. The board also voted 5-4 in favor of appointing Dr. Melissa Quackenbush, the district's director of curriculum, to acting su…
Schools
Parents Fighting To Save North Jersey Catholic School Slated For Closure After 65 Years
After nearly 65 years, the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Wayne is closing its doors. But many of its families refuse to accept its fate, and are fighting to keep the school that has provided love and nurture to their children alive. "The school didn't need to close, and it didn't need to close in the manner that it did," said Judy Simon, who has three children at IHM, who opined that more could be done from a business and marketing perspective. "I feel that the Diocese of Paterson didn't do anything to stop it." Father Mateusz Jasniewicz shared details about the school's closing …
Schools
NJ District To Cut 51 Teachers, Staff In 'Most Difficult' Budget Of Superintendent's Career
In his 31 years of leading school districts, East Brunswick Public Schools Superintendent Victor Valeski said he'd never had to craft a school budget as difficult as the one for 2024-25. There was an $7.8 million rise in costs and $1.3 million reduction in state aid in next year's school budget. "This is by far the hardest and most impactful," Valeski told Daily Voice. A total of 51 staff members had to be eliminated, Valeski said. The cuts included 15 teachers, 10 instructional coaches, seven school counselors and the assistant superintendent of student activities and services. Th…
Schools
College Dropout TV Actor Returns To New Jersey University For Commencement
James Van Der Beek finally got his degree from Drew University. Van Der Beek delivered the commencement address at the Morris County university, receiving an honorary degree, years after the actor "deferred his education" to take the iconic role of Dawson Leery on "Dawson's Creek." The actor recalled his performance at a commencement as part of the 36 Madison Avenue a cappella group while he wondered might the future might hold. He told graduates to be careful of what you think you know- having thought his second audition for "Dawson's Creek" would be a waste of time. Van Der Beek also tol…
Schools
Quintuplets' Graduation From MSU Marks Bittersweet First For Close-Knit Siblings
Yes, you were seeing quintuple at the Montclair State University graduation on Monday morning, May 13. The Povolo quintuplets — Victoria, Ludovico, Ashley, Michael and Marcus — graduated from Montclair State University, the first time quintuplets have graduated from a New Jersey university. The Povolo siblings earned degrees in five different majors. Victoria: Biochemistry; minor Italian Ludovico:, Political Science, minor Pre-Law, Business Ashley:, English, Teacher Education Program, certification in P-12 Michael:, Nutrition and Food Science, concentration Dietetics Marcus:, …
Schools
Rutgers Failed To Listen To Pleas From Jewish Faculty, Students On Campus, NJ Congressmen Say
A pair of New Jersey congressmen have made an urgent request for Rutgers University to address the antisemitism and safety concerns raised for months by Jewish students on campus. In a letter sent Wednesday, May 8 to Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway, Democratic U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Donald Norcross said the university has a responsibility to ensure the safety and inclusion of all faculty and students on campus "after the administration appeased the demands of violent and hateful agitators." The lawmakers also demanded answers about whether the administration consulted…
Schools
East Brunswick High School Locked Down After Fight Erupts Among Multiple Students: Police
East Brunswick High School was locked down on Wednesday morning, May 8 due to a fight among multiple students, authorities said. At approximately 9:30 a.m., East Brunswick police responded to the school on Cranbury Road for the report of a fight, police said. Prior to police arrival, it was reported that the fight dispersed in multiple directions, according to Lt. Jason Fama, a department spokesman. "Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed into lockdown until the incident was de-escalated and brought under control," Fama told Daily Voice. There were no reported injuries or a…
Schools
Rutgers President Called To Testify Before Congress On Deal With Pro-Palestine Protesters
Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway has been called to testify before Congress later this month about his handling of pro-Palestinian protesters, authorities confirmed. U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from North Carolina, the chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, announced Monday, May 6 that she postponed appearances by the presidents of Yale University and the University of Michigan and scheduled Holloway and Northwestern President Michael Schill to speak on May 23. "Over the last several days, the presidents of Northwestern and Rutgers have made shocki…
Schools
Rutgers Cancels Final Exams In New Brunswick Amid Pro-Palestine Protests (
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Final exams and all other academic activities have been canceled at the Rutgers University's College Avenue campus amid pro-Palestinian protests, officials confirmed. The university made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) shortly before 8 a.m. “Please contact your dean for further information,” the Rutgers-New Brunswick account said. “Activities on all other campuses will proceed as planned.” Photos were posted on social media by Students for Justice In Palestine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SJP Rutgers-NB (@sjprutgers…
Schools
'We Sang Zip-Tied And Handcuffed': Arrested Princeton Students Speak Out
What Princeton University officials called a dangerous situation was described as anything but by student organizers. The 13 individuals arrested at the occupation of Clio Hall, home of the grad school at the Ivy League college, on Monday, April 29, have released statements. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest (@princetondivestnow) In one, the students said they'd organized a "peaceful sit-in" in Clio Hall, accompanied by Professor Ruha Benjamin, acting as a legal and faculty observer. "Police arre…
Schools
Princeton VP Hints At More Arrests, Commencement Consequences Of Pro-Palestine Protests
Princeton University's vice president for campus life hinted at more arrests and graduation consequences in the ongoing pro-Palestine protests In a letter to students Tuesday evening, April 30. Thirteen pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested at the Ivy League college on Monday evening, April 29 after briefly occupying Clio Hall, home of the graduate school, university officials said. Those arrested at the school included five undergraduates, six graduate students, one postdoctoral researcher and one person not affiliated with the university, Princeton President Christopher …
Schools
Grad Hall Takeover: Pro-Palestine Protest At Princeton Ends In 13 Arrests, Officials Say
Thirteen pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested at Princeton University on Monday evening, April 29 after briefly occupying Clio Hall, home of the graduate school, university officials confirmed. Those arrested at the Ivy League school included five undergraduates, six graduate students, one postdoctoral researcher and one person not affiliated with the university, Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber said in a statement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest (@princetondivestnow) …
Schools
Princeton Grad Students Arrested At Pro-Palestinian Protest (
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Two Princeton University graduate students were arrested and barred from campus during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday, April 25, authorities said. The arrests came as pro-Palestinian student encampments are being set up on multiple university campuses nationwide. Various pro-Palestinian Princeton groups shared footage to social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PSL New Jersey (@pslnewjersey) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest …
Schools
Best High Schools: New Jersey Well-Represented In New National Rankings
New Jersey is well-represented in brand-new rankings of the nation's best high schools. US News & World report released its annual list on Tuesday morning, April 23. The rankings were determined by performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare students for college. Two New Jersey schools made the top 50 in the U.S: High Technology High School in Lincroft at No. 24, and Edison Academy Magnet School at No. 42. According to US News & World Report, The top 10 best high schools in the Garden State are: No. 10: Academy for Allied Health Sciences …
Schools
NJ Teacher Accused Of Touching Student In Hallway Slapped With Disorderly Persons Offense
A Marlboro middle school teacher accused by a parent of assaulting a student in the hallway has been slapped with a disorderly persons offense. On Friday, April 19, Jenna Sciabica, 38, was charged with one count of harassment-offensive touching, which is considered a petty disorderly persons offense, in connection with a March 13 incident, Marlboro police and online records say. Teacher Jenna Sciabica charged after inappropriate touching claim https://t.co/oR03iOdUtf — Avi Lehrer (@lehrer_avi) April 21, 2024 The incident involved "offensive touching over the clothes" in the hallway of …
Schools
NJ Daycare Worker Caused Child's Nose Bleed In Series Of Assaults, Police Papers Say
Three students at a preschool in Mercer County were hit and grabbed aggressively by a childcare teacher, authorities said. In one of the incidents at the Malvern School on Route 33 in Robbinsville, the teacher's slap caused a nosebleed, according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by Daily Voice. Another incident caused a visible injury to an arm, the paperwork says. Ekta Dwarkesh, 45, of South Brunswick, is charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child by abuse or neglect, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. Surveillance video from the school…
Schools
NJ Student Hospitalized After 'Blackout Challenge'
A student at an Essex County middle school was hospitalized on Tuesday, April 16, after he tried the "blackout challenge." Two students at South Orange Middle School took part in the dangerous stunt, popular on social media, which involves holding one's breath to the point of passing out, Lynn Irby Hill, the principal, said in a letter to parents. The first student passed out but was treated by the nursing staff, Irby Hill said. The second student had difficulty resuming breathing and was taken to a hospital by ambulance for further evaluation, Irby Hill said. Assistant Principal Jim Waldro…
Schools
Brake-Checking, Racist Parent Vowed To Have NJ Bus Driver Fired — And She Was: Lawsuit
A black school bus driver claims she was fired after an encounter with a racist parent who confronted her on the road in Cumberland County, court papers say. Genera Fisher filed a lawsuit against the Millville Public Charter School on March 7 in Superior Court, alleging she was let go "in retaliation for her protected activity of reporting a hate crime and/or racial harassment." The alleged road rage incident occurred on March 3, 2023, according to the lawsuit which described the scene: A car driven by another student's parent brake-checking and turning without signaling in …
Schools
Dad Arrested Trying To Defend Daughter In NJ Classroom Confrontation: Police
A South Jersey dad has been charged with making "terroristic threats" and threatening to "knock out" her daughter's peer in an apparent attempt to defend her in a high school classroom in Gloucester County, police paperwork says. Aaron Thomas went into a Paulsboro High School classroom Monday, March 11 while signing his daughter out around 11:30 a.m., an affidavit of probable cause obtained by Daily Voice says. Thomas, 38, was reportedly upset over photos being air-dropped, and was shouting and threatening to "knock the f— out" a student, paperwork says. At one point, Thomas got …
Schools
NJ School Principal Arrested For Assault, Group Says Incident Involved Student
A New Jersey high school principal has been arrested for an alleged assault. Frank Sanchez, who was suspended from his job at Columbia High School in South Orange-Maplewood since January, has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault, according to Thomas Fennelley, Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. Sanchez surrendered to detectives Monday morning, March 11. Dr. Kevin F. Gilbert, Acting Superintendent of the South Orange-Maplewood School District, released the following statement to Daily Voice when aske…
Schools
Two Jersey Shore School Districts Could Merge After OK From State Officials
New Jersey's top education officials have signed-off on a referendum for a merger between two school districts. On Friday, March 8, Acting New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer approved Seaside Heights merging with the Toms River Regional school district. The Central Regional School District had petitioned against the merger, but Dehmer said that Seaside Heights is closer in proximity to Toms River, so transportation will be cheaper and more time-efficient. He also said the merger would be unlikely to "increase or exacerbate the segregation of students by racial, …
Schools
'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…
Schools
Solar Eclipse Will Close NJ School Early
Concern over kids looking at a solar eclipse has caused a school district in Essex County to close early next month. Livingston Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Block announced in a letter to parents on Wednesday, March 6, that on Monday, April 8, the elementary and high school will dismiss at noon while the middle schools will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. The solar eclipse will be occurring at 3 p.m. and Block said they are concerned unsupervised children might be drawn to look at the eclipse, damaging their eyes. Concerns over driving during the eclipse also factored into the early dismissa…
Schools
North Jersey Schools Closed, Delayed Due To Major Winter Storm
New Jersey school districts are announcing closures and delays ahead of a winter storm expected Monday night into Tuesday, Feb. 13. Between 6 and 18 inches are expected across North Jersey, but the National Weather Service "the Tuesday morning commute will be either snowy, slushy, or wet for our entire area." The following districts have announced closures Tuesday, Feb. 13: Belleville Bergenfield Bloomfield Butler Clifton Closter Cresskill Demarest Denville Dover Dumont Englewood Englewood Cliffs Elizabeth Elmwood Park Fair Lawn Fort Lee Franklin Lakes Fredon Garfield Glen Rock Hack…
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