PARSIPPANY — In a letter to parents of the Lake Hiawatha School Community, Dr. Barbara Sargent said “This letter is to inform you that an individual at Lake Hiawatha School has tested positive for Corona-virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community. There were no close contacts with individuals at Lake Hiawatha School.”

Cleaning and disinfecting of all exposed areas have been completed.

We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage all community members to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick;

• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;

• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;

• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;

• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);

• Wearing a face covering while in school; and

• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.

As always, we appreciate our community’s support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact Mr. Steve Figurelli – 973-263-4344. Below are some resources that might be helpful.

RESOURCES

a. NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public: (Click here)

b. Get the Facts about Coronavirus: (Click here)

c. Symptoms of COVID-19: (Click here)

d. Testing: (Click here)

e. How to Protect Yourself: (Click here)

f. What to Do if You Are Sick: (Click here)

PARSIPPANY — Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., has announced that Parsippany resident Sarah Sturges was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. To achieve this honor, full-time students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.8 or above and complete a minimum of 12-semester credits.

Sarah is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2017.

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.

MORRIS COUNTY — Although the lights of Broadway are dark for the foreseeable future, the lights in Dragonetti Auditorium at County College of Morris (CCM) are shining bright! Paying homage to the dazzling excitement of Broadway, the Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies department at CCM presents “Broadway Night: Reflections From the Past” on February 11, 12, and 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Dragonetti Auditorium. Tickets to the Broadway review are free with limited seating.

Tickets can be ordered by clicking here and using the password: Broadway.

Directed by Professor Marielaine Mammon, of Mount Olive, 35 performing arts majors will dazzle and delight in singing iconic musical selections from a dozen beloved Broadway shows. “Broadway Night: Reflections From the Past” incorporates a video montage of past CCM productions, celebrating the rich history of the college’s theater program and immersing the vibrant, young thespians of the future. Professor Matthew Swiss, of Randolph, is the musical director, and Professor Colleen McArdle, of Riverdale, is the choreographer.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are only 70 tickets available for each show and there will be no intermission. Masks must be worn at all times. Please park in Lot 6. CCM is located at 214 Cedar Grove Road, Randolph.

PARSIPPANY — Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, announced the 106 recipients of its prestigious 2021 Horatio Alger National Scholarship. These annual scholarships recognize outstanding students, who, in the face of great personal adversity, remain committed to obtaining a college degree.   

Out of tens of thousands of applicants, Victoria Bratsos, a West Orange High School student from Parsippany, was one of just 106 students from across the country to receive this prestigious scholarship.

The Horatio Alger Association was established in 1947 to dispel the belief among young people that the American Dream was no longer attainable. Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, the Horatio Alger Association has become one of the largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship providers in the United States and Canada. Today, through its Members, the Association continues to educate American and Canadian students about the economic and personal opportunities afforded them through the two nations’ free-enterprise systems. The Association anticipates awarding a total of $235 million in scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students by its 75th anniversary in 2022.  

“Our organization is thrilled to recognize these 106 remarkable Scholars,” said James F. Dicke II, president, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “These students have remained dedicated to furthering their education and giving back to their communities while overcoming many personal adversities, not to mention the additional challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association is proud to support these remarkable young people and we look forward to witnessing all they will achieve.”   

2021 Horatio Alger National Scholars are students who come from households with an average income of $18,871 per year while maintaining an average GPA of 3.88. Each National Scholarship recipient is awarded $25,000 to apply toward educational costs of the college or university of their choice and will have access to a variety of Association-provided resources including counseling and referral services, career exploration opportunities, and Alumni connections. 

“Our 2021 National Scholars affirm the Association’s belief that hard work, honesty, and determination can conquer all obstacles,” said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. “Through our mission, we will continue to provide promising young people the resources, mentorship, and confidence needed to be successful in whatever it is they choose to do.” 

In addition to the scholarship, each National Scholar will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference (NSC) and participate in college preparedness and other educational sessions. There, Horatio Alger Scholars will have an opportunity to learn about the Association, its esteemed members, and the various support programs in which they can partake during their collegiate careers. In conjunction with the NSC, National Scholars will also be recognized at the Association’s 74th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies, during which the Association will induct the 2021 class of New Members who are all accomplished corporate, civic, and cultural leaders. The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program is wholly funded through private donations from Association Members and friends.

PARSIPPANY —  Multiple individuals at Central Middle School have tested positive for COVID-19.

Given the NJ Department of Health guidance, and in coordination with local health officials, the district will enact distance learning for all students and staff at Central Middle School, effective Monday, February. 8.

All other schools in the district will operate in their current status. Central Middle School will be closed for on-site instruction for fourteen days and we will follow the remote learning plan from Monday, February 8 through Friday, February 19.

Central Middle School will reopen for in-person learning for staff and students on Monday, February 22.

The following will be enacted immediately:

• All self-contained programs at Central Middle School will be fully remote until February 22.
• Students will have NO access to the building during this time.
• All extracurricular and athletic programs are canceled during the two-week closure.  There will be no practices or games held.
• Students should NOT gather indoors with friends.
• The custodial staff will thoroughly clean and sanitize all classrooms.
• The CMS virtual schedule will be as follows:

The afternoon will continue to be devoted to teacher-designated small group instruction, tutorial sessions, and office hours.  Please see the school’s webpage Afternoon Teacher Schedules for more information about teacher’s afternoon schedules.

We regret the disruption this presents to our students and staff; however, it is imperative that we adhere to the NJ Department of Health and local health guidelines for the safety of our school community.  Please continue to assist us by remaining vigilant and sensible in your approach to dealing with this health crisis.

Beginning on Monday, February 8, a daily chart of positive COVID-19 cases listed by each school will be posted under “Family Resources” and “Staff Resources,” on the Parsippany-Tory Hills Board of Education website. Case numbers listed will represent those reported by parents, staff, or the Department of Health directly to the school district. ”

Click here to view the daily chart.

PARSIPPANY — All Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools will be fully remote on Monday, February 8.