Morris County Launches New Public Testing as COVID-19 Rate Spikes Statewide

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Launches New Public Testing as COVID-19 Rate Spikes Statewide

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders announced they will launch at-home and mobile COVID-19 testing programs for Morris County residents and workers within the next week, as the number of new cases in the county continues to increase in correlation with a spike in the virus statewide.

“Our task force saw weeks ago that our cases were starting to increase, and we asked our Department of Law and Public Safety to begin preparing a plan for new testing in the event a second wave of the pandemic. It appears we are there,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith, referring to the Morris County COVID-19 Recovery Task Force formed to develop strategies to assist businesses and communities overcome pandemic impacts.

Graphic shows rising cases of reported COVID-19

The purpose of the expanded testing is to:

  • Identify Asymptomatic Individuals
  • Increase Test Availability for Symptomatic Individuals
  • Detect Clusters or Outbreaks
  • Provide Trending Data for Proactive Measures

The at-home testing will be the first phase, but Morris County is not ready to go live with it.

Freeholder Smith

Freeholder Director Deborah Smith

The testing will involve going to the Morris County website and accessing a portal, but the county still is in the process of developing the online portal. Please do not call the county or your municipal officials at this point. Once the portal is active, announcements will be made and further information will be shared with the public, media, and municipal officials.

“Once the at-home testing is up and running we will begin mobile testing. Our hope is within the next week or two we will have everything ready. The goal is that there will be no out-of-pocket costs to Morris County residents for this testing,” said Scott DiGiralomo, Director of Morris County’s Department of Law and Public Safety, who briefed municipal leaders in a phone conference yesterday.

“The costs will be covered by individual insurance plans, federal aid, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding we were able to secure in August,” said Freeholder Douglas Cabana, the board liaison to Law and Public Safety. “The federal money we received will reimburse Morris County for the response efforts we launched with our own funding at the start of the pandemic, including the drive-through testing station we set up at the County College of Morris. The remaining dollars should help us continue testing throughout the year.”

The drive-through testing facility will not be reactivated at this time.

The online portal for at-home testing will enable individuals to determine whether to order a nasal or a saliva test and then begin the process of scheduling at-home delivery of testing kits.  Individuals will be required to provide their insurance information, Medicare or Medicaid data, or indicate that they are uninsured. However, no one will be billed for accessing the tests. The other test, provided by Vault Health, is a saliva test developed by Rutgers University. It too will be shipped to an individual’s home overnight. There is no age restriction, but guardians and parents must obtain the sample while participating in a tele-visit by computer or phone with an advisor at Vault. The advisor will guide participants on how to conduct the test and return it through the mail. The nasal swab, which is restricted to individuals who are age 18 and older, is one already available to the public through LabCorp, and it is known as their Pixel test. It will be shipped overnight to individuals, who will be asked to follow directions on how to take a sample and return-mail it in a prepaid package. Results generally are available within 48 hours of receipt by the testing company.

At this time, participants are only allowed two (2) tests per month. Anyone who tests positive will be directed to contact his or her healthcare provider and will receive a call from a contact tracer.

Mobile Testing:

Morris County will deploy mobile testing units in cooperation with local health authorities, particularly in areas where outbreaks are being detected or suspected. Vulnerable populations, including people without healthcare, in Dover and Morristown, will be among the first targeted for testing in cooperation with Zufall Health Center.

Bobst Takes Headquarters Space on Waterview Boulevard

Frank L. Cahill
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Bobst Takes Headquarters Space on Waterview Boulevard

PARSIPPANY — Avison Young arranged an 11-year, 33,910-square-foot North American headquarters lease for Bobst on the first floor of 10 Waterview Boulevard. The company relocated from its previous site in Roseland.

An Avison Young team lead by managing director Jeff Heller and SVP Steven Geltzeiler represented owner Waterview Investors LLC in the transaction. Bobst was represented by Steven Pavon, managing member of CohnReznick Real Estate.

Bobst is one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing, and converting equipment. The company was founded in 1890 and has a presence in over 50 countries.

“Waterview Investors completed a number of significant building improvements that were key in securing Bobst’s relocation to the building, including a new roof, a best-of-class tenant conference center, and extensive lobby upgrades,” said Heller.

Geltzeiler added, “10 Waterview Blvd. continues to generate remarkable interest for a variety of businesses in the Northern New Jersey region.”

Celebrate Thanksgiving Virtually with the Clergy Council

Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Morris County All Faiths and Families will celebrate a virtual Thanksgiving Community Gathering Sunday, November 22 at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom.

All residents of all faiths or – no faiths – can come together, share song, gratitude, and blessings. This community gathering will be live zoomed, not streamed.

All welcome but please RSVP to PJorlett@adathshalom.net for Password and Zoom Link.

For more info email Rabbi Deb Smith.

Sponsored by Yad B’Yad Interfaith Programs, the Parsippany Clergy Association, and the Morris County Human Relations Commission 

Lake Hiawatha Library receives $2,999,530 Funding from Library Construction Bond Act

Frank L. Cahill
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Lake Hiawatha Library receives $2,999,530 Funding from Library Construction Bond Act

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed A4942, which authorizes nearly $87.5 million to be distributed to proposed projects for the first round of funding from the Library Construction Bond Act. This funding will provide crucial improvements to New Jersey public libraries, including ADA compliance upgrades for disabled residents, HVAC improvements, and projects to improve public access to information and modernize community space, including procuring new technology. This initial grant round will also fund ten new library buildings. The second round of awards is planned for the first quarter of 2021.

“Our public libraries serve as community bedrocks providing resources and information to thousands of New Jerseyans,” said Governor Murphy. “With today’s bill signing, libraries will receive critical funding to address accessibility issues for our disability community and provide necessary safety improvements for adequate ventilation systems, as well as upgrading technology that will help shrink the digital divide in communities across the state.”

The following projects will receive the first round of funding:

  • $379,960 to the Atlantic City Free Public Library in Atlantic City, Atlantic County;
  • $322,091 to the Atlantic County Hammonton Branch Library in Hammonton, Atlantic County;
  • $175,000 to the Avon Public Library in Avon-By-The-Sea Borough, Monmouth County;
  • $1,000,000 to the Free Public Library and Cultural Center of Bayonne in Bayonne, Hudson County;
  • $37,500 to the Bernardsville Public Library in Bernardsville Borough, Somerset County;
  • $3,447,081 to the Cape May County Library at Historic Franklin Street School in Cape May, Cape May County;
  • $2,329,500 to the Cranbury Public Library in Cranbury Township, Middlesex County;
  • $524,142 to the Cumberland County Library in Bridgeton, Cumberland County;
  • $1,200,000 to the Dover Free Public Library in Dover, Morris County;
  • $500,000 to the East Orange Public Library in East Orange, Essex County;
  • $3,497,500 to the Fanwood Memorial Library in Fanwood Borough, Union County;
  • $600,000 to the Franklin Township Public Library in Franklin Township, Gloucester County;
  • $1,314,000 to the Franklin Township Public Library, Southern Branch, in Franklin Park, Somerset County;
  • $889,000 to the Freehold Public Library in Freehold Borough, Monmouth County;
  • $130,404 to the Garfield Public Library in Garfield, Bergen County;
  • $980,837 to the Hunterdon County Library in Flemington, Hunterdon County;
  • $5,000,000 to the Jersey City Public Library in Jersey City, Hudson County;
  • $1,525,475 to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library in Wallington, Bergen County;
  • $90,000 to the Leonia Public Library in Leonia Borough, Bergen County;
  • $1,100,000 to the Lincoln Park Public Library in Lincoln Park Borough, Morris County;
  • $8,388,250 to the Maplewood Memorial Library in Maplewood Township, Essex County;
  • $3,262,260 to the Millville Public Library in Millville, Cumberland County;
  • $1,950,000 to the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan, Monmouth County;
  • $248,640 to the Monroe Township Library in Monroe Township, Middlesex County;
  • $5,375,000 to the Montgomery Township Branch (Somerset County Library System) in Montgomery Township, Somerset County;
  • $507,000 to the Paramus Public Library in Paramus Borough, Bergen County;
  • $2,999,530 to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Lake Hiawatha Branch in Lake Hiawatha, Morris County;
  • $734,812 to the Paterson Danforth Memorial Library in Paterson, Passaic County;
  • $9,364,500 to the Pennsauken Free Public Library in Pennsauken Township, Camden County;
  • $150,000 to the Red Bank Public Library in Red Bank Borough, Monmouth County;
  • $292,750 to the Ringwood Public Library in Ringwood Borough, Passaic County;
  • $263,159 to the River Edge Public Library in River Edge Borough, Bergen County;
  • $5,500,000 to the Roselle Public Library in Roselle Borough, Union County;
  • $3,586,852 to the South Brunswick Public Library in South Brunswick Township, Middlesex County;
  • $3,080,875 to the Sussex County Library System (Dennis Memorial Library Branch) in Newton, Sussex County;
  • $139,705 to the Totowa Public Library in Totowa Borough, Passaic County;
  • $12,500,000 to the West New York Public Library in West New York, Hudson County; and
  • $3,098,217 to the West Orange Public Library in West Orange Township, Essex County.

“We are grateful to the Murphy administration and the state legislature for recognizing the strength of Parsippany’s library proposal,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “This funding will help Parsippany continue the revitalization of North Beverwyck Road and establish a state-of-the-art library that will benefit every resident of Parsippany.”

“We are thrilled to learn that the Governor has signed a bill into legislation allowing for the initial grant round of LCBA funding to be distributed to the selected New Jersey libraries,” said Mary L. Chute, New Jersey State Librarian. “The pool of eligible applicants reflected many strong projects responding to compelling community needs. These 38 awards rate as the ‘best of the best’ by the review committee. We congratulate them and look forward to seeing their projects get underway.”

“Governor Murphy’s signing of the Library Construction Fund Bill is tremendous news for libraries and communities across the state of New Jersey,” said Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, President of Thomas Edison State University. “This bill allows for enhancing access and strengthening outreach at a time when libraries are needed more than ever.”

“I am grateful to see this grant funding finally being dispersed. Libraries are the cornerstones of our communities and these awards will go a long way towards improving their facilities and the services they offer,” said Senator James Beach. “Not only do our libraries have amazing collections of books, but they also provide educational programs and free access to internet-connected devices which many families around the state rely on. While often overlooked, their importance cannot be overstated.”

“Our public libraries offer so much to our communities and enrich the lives of countless individuals who utilize their many services,” said Senator Linda Greenstein. “This grant funding is going to go a long way and I am elated knowing this will make an impact in the lives of those who not only frequent public libraries but depend on them for what they have to offer.”

“Public libraries serve as valuable community centers that everyone should have access to, but many facilities are in need of facelifts and safety and accessibility upgrades,” said Senator Kip Bateman. “I appreciate the Governor’s prompt action signing this bill in the same week it cleared the Legislature. The availability of these grants is good news for public libraries and the residents who utilize them.”

“It wasn’t long ago that libraries were the only place you could find answers to any question you could imagine,” said Assemblyman Louis Greenwald. “With a variety of enrichment classes, children’s programs, and access to high-speed internet, libraries have become community spaces for all to enjoy. Sadly, library funding has remained flat in recent years, leaving many with little resources to make improvements. These grants will go a long way in helping local libraries reach more people in their communities.”

“Libraries have something for everyone. For children, they open doors to the magical world of books and encourage a lifelong love of reading. For adults, they provide access to invaluable education, job training, and personal development resources,” said Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez. “Above all, libraries help keep us connected. In these uncertain times, their role has never been more important.”

“During the pandemic, we’ve seen libraries across New Jersey find innovative ways to expand their reach, from curbside service to home delivery to Zoom presentations,” said Assemblywoman Mila Jasey. “It’s forward-thinking like this that makes libraries so vital to our communities. This support will help our public libraries keep growing and innovating.”

Letter to the Editor: 500 Apartments at the Dialogic Building Redevelopment is too much for Taxpayers

Letters to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: 500 Apartments at the Dialogic Building Redevelopment is too much for Taxpayers

parsippany focusDear Editor:

Michael Soriano’s Town Hall remains in active negotiations to allow a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program usher in the redevelopment of the old Dialogic Building along Route 10.
Parsippany taxpayers simply can’t afford a deal that will finance the developers’ desires to build 500 apartments, inundate local traffic, overwhelm our school district with more children, and further stress municipal resources – all without proof that the financial benefits for the township outweigh the aforementioned detriments to the township.
Furthermore, Parsippany taxpayers have not been provided any independent financial analysis to determine if this program protects the township Interests over those of the property developers. Parsippany residents expect and deserve to have their elected officials perform due diligence in a public and transparent fashion and explain their position prior to their binding vote. Nothing thus far gives us peace of mind this is actually occurring.
While long-term tax abatement programs can be useful in attracting development and enhancing blighted areas in municipalities, this administration, unfortunately, has failed —once again— to explain how this clear financial windfall for the developer will not ultimately hurt Parsippany-Troy Hills residents, business owners, and community alike.
We expect and demand better service, dedication, and oversight from our elected officials.  Who is looking out for us?
Mayoral Candidate
Louis Valori

ISKCON is in the Process of Constructing a Grand Hare Krishna Temple

Frank L. Cahill
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ISKCON is in the Process of Constructing a Grand Hare Krishna Temple

PARSIPPANY — The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is in the process of constructing a grand Hare Krishna Temple in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. They recently celebrated an important milestone in this project – the commencement of the construction of the first walls marking a visible rise in the soon-to-be temple structure.

As part of this celebration, covered by a number of media outlets, a special kirtan (congregation chanting of prayers) was conducted followed by a presentation outlining the project as well as a series of media interviews of dignitaries, advisory committee members, and temple leaders.

“It is our great honor to welcome all our guests and the media today as we celebrate this magnificent temple in the service of Lord Sri Krishna.” said Nilamani Das, Temple President of ISKCON of New Jersey, “The founder of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada, encouraged all of his followers to promote this divine message of Bhagavad-gita and the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra all over the world. He directed his disciples to build gorgeous temples which will be beacons of spiritual knowledge (adhyatmika jnana) and loving devotional service (bhakti) to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. This magnificent temple is a labor of love made possible by the incredible hard work and support of our devotees, friends, contributors, and well-wishers. It is an amazing success story so far and we invite everyone to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The 3.25-acre worksite was abuzz with construction activity, even on a Saturday, as workers quickly erected the wall-forms for the concrete structural walls that will be poured in the next few days atop the extensive network of steel-and-concrete rebar footings.

His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami, an American-born disciple of Srila Prabhupada since 1971 and one of the leaders and gurus in ISKCON was one of the chief guests at the event. “We are very happy that this temple of Krishna is being built in Parsippany. This is to serve Krishna and to serve spiritually inclined people, and even those who are not spiritually inclined. Everyone can benefit from the knowledge in the Bhagavad Gita and from hearing the Holy Names of Krishna”, explained Jayadvaita Swami.

Said Manasi-Ganga Devi Dasi, Head of the Child Protection Team, “The children of our community are our most valuable asset and the future of society. Our ISKCON of New Jersey Sunday School program has been imbibing rich, spiritual values among our children and youth for over forty years. Currently, we have about 80 children across four age groups learning about Krishna and bhakti as taught in the Gita in a very dynamic and fun way. This new temple will allow us much bigger and better facilities to provide these valuable educational opportunities for more and more children and families.”

“ISKCON of New Jersey has been serving the community since 1981 from our temple in Towaco, NJ, just a few minutes away from Parsippany” explained Madana-gopala Dasa, Director of Communications for ISKCON of New Jersey, “Our current Towaco location is now too small for our growing congregation, most of whom live in Parsippany, and so it made sense to locate our new, larger temple in this town, which was recently rated as the Best Town in New Jersey by Money Magazine. Just a few months ago we had our groundbreaking and foundation stone laying ceremony by Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano, one of our most enthusiastic supporters. He applauded the fact that ISKCON is such a diverse religious institution with devotees from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, and that we do such good work for the communities around the world.

“Our congregation of about 300 enthusiastic worshippers has been instrumental in raising $ 4 million so far, which enabled us to purchase this land back in 2008 for almost $2 million. It took us nearly five years to get the zoning variance to construct this house of worship here and so far most of the remaining funds have been spent on-site work (stormwater draining system and underground infrastructure), legal and design fees, and other construction-related items. We require another $4.5 million to complete our first phase of the project which will allow us to move into the new facility and begin our services here. We currently have a $2 million loan from the bank and will need to raise the remaining $2.5 million over the next 10 months or so” continued Madana-gopala Dasa.

Piyush Patel, international entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Chairman of the ISKCON Advisory Committee stated “Over the next 12 months we plan to complete the construction of the structure and move into this building. It is certainly an ambitious goal to raise the $2.5 million during this time, but we are confident that the Indian community and friends of Lord Krishna will step forward and take advantage of this great, one-time opportunity.

Gautam Shah, a prominent businessman and chairman of the project fundraising sub-committee reiterated, “We therefore humbly appeal to everyone to support this project with their generous contribution and help us across the finishing line. As you can see it is a magnificent building and our many generations will enjoy the benefits”

The completed structure will be a 38,000 square foot building that will house the main prayer hall, ornate altars that are a trademark of ISKCON, a professional-grade state-of-the-art kitchen to prepare hundreds of free meals that are distributed weekly to the public, a library of scriptural texts, a number of classrooms and study areas, a large multipurpose hall for stage presentations and celebrations, a spacious welcome area and lobby, residential ashram facilities for devotees, guest rooms, books, and gift store as well as a vegetarian restaurant.

ORGANIZATION
Popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a worldwide confederation of about 600 temples and preaching centers, 100 vegetarian restaurants, and a wide variety of community projects.

HISTORY
ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradaya, or denomination, a monotheistic tradition within the broad Hindu culture. It is scripturally based on the 5,000-year-old Sanskrit text Bhagavad-gita, or “Song of God.” ISKCON traces its lineage directly to the speaker of that sacred book, Lord Krishna, who is revered as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 16th-century incarnation of God who emphasized the chanting of Hare Krishna as the most effective means of achieving self-realization and love of God in this age.

FOUNDER
In 1965, at the age of 70, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanata Swami Srila Prabhupada journeyed alone from India to America, to bring the teachings of Krishna west. On July 11, 1966, Srila Prabhupada officially registered the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York City, and thus began the Hare Krishna movement in America. Srila Prabhupada passed away in 1977.

MISSION
This nonsectarian, monotheistic movement’s mission is to advance the well-being of society by promoting the science of Krishna consciousness.

ISKCON bases its philosophy on the ancient Vedic literature. These include the Bhagavad-gita, the 30- volume Srimad Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Caitanya-caritamrita. Study of these scriptures takes place at ISKCON temples daily, and special narrations or sermons are often part of weekly community gatherings and festivals.

ISKCON teaches that the goal of life is to develop a love of God. Love of God is realized through the practice of bhakti-yoga, or devotional service. This ancient yoga system teaches the art of spiritualizing all human activities. To achieve Krishna consciousness effectively, members chant and meditate upon the holy names of Lord Krishna:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

In addition to daily chanting and meditation, ISKCON members practice their faith by attending regular worship services, studying scriptures, sharing sanctified vegetarian meals, and fostering fellowship among other Krishna devotees.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, November 2020. Click here to view.

 

Nicholas Paraan Named to Dean’s List

Frank L. Cahill
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Nicholas Paraan Named to Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY —Seton Hall University is pleased to announce that Nicholas Paraan qualified for the Spring 2020 Dean’s list and to congratulate them for their outstanding academic achievements.

After the close of every semester, undergraduate students completing all courses with a GPA of 3.4, with no grades lower than “C”, qualify for the Dean’s List.

Nicholas Paraan is a Class of 2016 Parsippany Hills High School graduate.

One of the country’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership – developing students in mind, heart, and spirit – since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 80 rigorous majors, Seton Hall’s academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, US News & World Report, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Seton Hall, which embraces students of all religions, prepares its graduates to be exemplary servant leaders and caring global citizens. Its attractive main campus is located in suburban South Orange, New Jersey, and is only 14 miles by train, bus, or car to New York City, offering a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The university’s nationally recognized School of Law is prominently located in downtown Newark.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, November 2020. Click here to view.

Morris Adult Day Care Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris Adult Day Care Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

PARSIPPANY — Morris Adult Day Care celebrated its fifth anniversary in Parsippany. Joining the celebration is Linda LaStella, Administrator; Shruti Patel, Director of Social Services; Anne Ionnides, Director of Nursing and Volunteer Bharti Raycha. Morris Adult Day Care offers services to seniors and adults who may have physical limitations, in a stimulating environment during the day.

The experienced staff has the ability to monitor the health and help with daily activities, including personal care and administration of medications. Due to COVID-19, they are currently closed, but they work with their clients on a daily basis. Morris Adult Day Care also delivers food supplies to its clients. They are located at 784 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Center. (973) 794-4455.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, December 2020. Click here to view.

Senator Pennacchio’s Holiday Toy Drive Collecting Gifts for Children

Frank L. Cahill
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Senator Pennacchio’s Holiday Toy Drive Collecting Gifts for Children

MORRIS COUNTY — This year has been a very trying year for all of us and no less for the children who have faced conditions never confronted by previous generations.

As the holiday season approaches, Senator Joe Pennacchio urged residents to remind themselves that although many of us are facing difficult times, there are those less fortunate whose challenges are even greater.

The Senator is once again hosting his annual holiday toy drive, and this year the need is more critical than ever.

Please join our efforts to collect toys for the needy children in the area.  Their holiday expectations are no during the pandemic.

“Let’s try not to disappoint them,” Pennacchio said.

Previously, the Senator’s gift drive has been able to collect and distribute thousands of toys.  Gifts have been presented through the Battered Women’s Shelter, Passaic and Montville UNICO, the Marine’s Toys for Tots, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, The Ronald McDonald House, Saint Pius Church, and Saint Peters Church, as well as individual needy families.

“It would be easy to discount any toy drive this year and chalk it up to the pandemic,” said Senator Pennacchio. “This would prove to be a great disappointment to many needy children.”

To contribute, bring unwrapped toys to:

The 26th Senate Legislative District Office
170 Changebridge Road
Unit A-1
Montville, NJ 07045

Please feel free to contact the Senator’s office at (973) 227-4012.

Letter from Dr. Barbara Sargent, Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education

Frank L. Cahill
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Letter from Dr. Barbara Sargent, Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education

PARSIPPANY — Letter from Dr. Barbara Sargent, Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education (November 20, 2020)

Good evening, Families!

I hope this letter finds you all well and maintaining a positive spirit.  I am excited to share some leadership news regarding special education and related services that were approved by our Board of Education last evening. Mr. Keith Cortright will transition from his position as principal of Rockaway Meadow Elementary School to the Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services, effective January 4. Mr. Cortright has left a significant and positive mark on Rockaway Meadow School and I am grateful for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to our students and staff. Mr. Juan Cruz, currently the Coordinating Supervisor of Social Studies (K-12) and Instructional Technology (6-8), will serve as Acting Principal for the remainder of the school year. As a long-time Parsippany educator, resident, and parent, Mr. Cruz will provide a stable and positive presence for the students and staff at Rockaway Meadow School.

When we return from Thanksgiving Break on Monday, November 30, elementary and middle school students will attend in-person Monday through Friday, still maintaining the Week A/Week B cohort model with Early Dismissal.  Students who are fully remote may continue with this status. High school teachers and students only will continue with Virtual Friday as they are utilizing an A/B Day schedule and meet with classes remotely each afternoon. The week of November 30 will be Week A.

The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is committed to supporting our families in the coming months, particularly in the area of ‘wraparound’ child care for the weeks that children are not in school.  Please visit this link Lakeland Hills YMCA Parent Survey for a brief survey to ascertain the needs of parents and how we can assist students and families in the current situation. Additionally, parents interested in exploring the E Camp & Care program with the YMCA may complete this form and submit it to the address at the bottom of the form.

Friday, December 4, and Friday, January 8 will be ½ Afternoon Inservice Days. Elementary and middle school teachers will meet with students during the morning for instruction.  High school teachers will hold Virtual Friday tutorials, small group meetings, etc. for the morning only.  Elementary special education students in self-contained classes (PreK-5) will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Morning Session) and 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Afternoon Session).

Finally, the district hosted Mr. Bernard Ivin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health specialist, to present “Helping Students Deal with the Stress and Anxiety of COVID-19” at last week’s meeting of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee. Mr. Ivin’s webinar was informative and relevant, and it is posted on our district website in case you missed seeing it live.  There are important reminders in the presentation about word choice with our children and positive ways to frame feedback.

Please see the 2020-2021 yearly calendar approved at the November 19 Board Meeting.

Warm wishes to you all for a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Barbara Sargent
Superintendent of Schools

 

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