<img class="tdb-logo-img" src="https://parsippanyfocus.com/uploadedmedia/2018/07/Focus-Logo.gif" alt="Logo" title="" />

-

Sep 3, 2015

Makaya and Rebeca Hueter and Byron Cabrera on the first day of school

Davey Smith, 6, will be entering first grade and Andrew Smith, 8, will be starting third grade at Lake Hiawatha School

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Troy-Hills School District opened for the first day of school on Thursday, September 3.

At least 12 of the 14 schools, students will have a normal day. Students at Central Middle School and Brooklawn started school with no schedules. No English, No Math, No Gym.

The students were advised in a letter dated September 1, signed by Superintendent Scott Rixford, “….providing on site activities that typically occur later in September for all students for the two half day sessions scheduled for this week,” referring to Thursday, September 3 and Friday, September 4.

Over the past 10 days, the School District’s computer system that creates the students schedules, Genesis, were not producing the students schedules properly.

According to the Genesis Education Services website, “Genesis is the leader in web-based student record data for New Jersey schools. Over 250 school districts rely on Genesis’ Student Information System to manage their student records. The comprehensive feature set caters to the needs of parents and students, teachers, administrators, staff and special education case managers.”

Rixford continued “While we initially attempted to make corrections and apply fixes in real-time, we could not and therefore needed to close that system. We have brought in Genesis experts for guidance and continue to rebuild student schedules for middle school students. However, with over 1600 students involved this requires significant time to remedy. It is a most intricate and detailed process.”

A sample schedule prepared through Genesis provided to students showing their schedule

He continued “Both middle schools will be providing on site activities that typically occur later in September for all students for the two half day sessions scheduled for this week. A schedule of the two days will be sent out to all parents tomorrow.”

The first day of school for all students are one session days. Junior High School students begin school at 8:00 a.m. and are dismissed at 1:16 p.m.

Click here for the schedule students will follow at Central Middle School.

Click here for the schuled students will follow at Brooklawn Middle School.

A concerned parent wrote:

Dear Mr. Rixford:

As the parent of an incoming 6th grader at Brooklawn Middle School, I am deeply concerned with the ongoing scheduling issues. I have 2 high schoolers who had a great experience at BMS – with the previous scheduling system.

I am wondering why this district has felt the need to reinvent the wheel regarding the middle school curriculum. Test scores were great, kids and teachers were happy and the end result was well-prepared high school students.

Perhaps it is time to abandon this over-complicated schedule and revert back to what we all know worked and worked well.

Now my son will be losing the main reason for 6th grade orientation – which was to walk through his schedule and meet his team of teachers. And, on top of that, he will be missing out on at least two academic days because of this problem.

I certainly hope that I am not the only parent who has complained about this. Time to cut your losses and go back to what works.

Thank you
Donna Hilsinger

Rai Sant Ana wrote: “This has NOTHING to do with a computer glitch. Genesis has no issue with the high school schedules. There has never been an issue before the new schedule plan. This is all about the fact that the schedule won’t work. Go back to the 9 period day, give the students and teachers back their 40 minute lunch and make literacy mandatory at all 3 grade levels.”

Parsippany Focus asked a series of questions regarding the student schedules, but the Board of Education did not provide answers at the time this story was prepared.

The Parsippany Troy-Hills School District has 14 schools, with students in ten elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and an adult education center.

Will the approximate 1600 students at Brooklawn Middle School and Central Middle School receive quality classroom instruction starting Tuesday? Only Genesis will know.

Parsippany Ex-Scout leader accused of abusing 3 Scouts wants child porn evidence tossed

By

-

Sep 2, 2015

MORRISTOWN — A former Parsippany Boy Scout leader, accused of sexually abusing three Scouts in the 1990s, is trying to throw out child pornography evidence from 2011 that is part of the case against him. The case against Stephen Corcoran, 47, of Morris Plains, broke open in 2011 after Corcoran allegedly invited a man into his…

Plea deal discussions ‘ongoing’ in Parsippany teacher sex case

By

-

Sep 2, 2015

MORRISTOWN — As a trial date nears in a sex case involving a former Parsippany Hills High School teacher and a student, discussions on a plea deal are “ongoing,” a Morris County assistant prosecutor said Wednesday. Jenna Leahey, 33, a former English teacher and field hockey coach at the school, is accused of having sexual conversations…

Christie used state chopper 4 times to fly to 2016 campaign events

By

-

Sep 1, 2015

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has used the State Police helicopter seven times in the two months since he announced his presidential bid — and more than half those flights were for campaign travel, according to records obtained by NJ Advance Media. The State Police has sent the governor’s campaign invoices totaling nearly $13,000 for four…

Do you agree with Christie plan to track immigration visas like FedEx boxes?

By

-

Sep 1, 2015

TRENTON –What do you think about Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to track immigration visas like FedEx packages? Not to be outdone by Donald Trump on the topic of immigration, Christie last weekend derided the “knuckleheads” at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for not being able to keep track of foreign nationals who overstay their visas. RELATED:…

New school aims to serve the unaffiliated

By

-

Sep 1, 2015

JLC Bayt Yeladim offers alternative education for ‘changing’ families Barrie Halpern insists that JLC Bayt Yeladim is not in competition with area synagogues’ supplementary schools and hopes families who come to her school will eventually join congregations. Photos by Johanna Ginsberg Deb Marcus with her daughters and their finished hallah loaves. Halpern and one of the…

Have a heart for Brian “Mouse” Bramley fundraiser

By

-

Sep 1, 2015

PARSIPPANY – A fundraiser for Brian “Mouse” Bramley, 49 will be held at Mount Holleran Town Tavern to help pay for his recovery from open heart surgery.

Bramley had open heart surgery on July 31. He’s doing well and will continue to be out of work for several months as he recovers.

Friends and well-wishers are invited to stop by Mount Holleran Town Tavern at 450 North Beverwyck Road on Saturday, September 26 between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to support Bramley and have fun with his family.

The event asks a suggested donation of $25.00 for adults and $10.00 for children between 15 and eight years old. Children under seven years old are free.
The “Have a Heart for Mouse” event will feature free food and 50/50 and basket raffles.

Event organizers are accepting donations for basket raffles.

For any questions or to donate items, people can contact Jim Torsiello at (973) 941-5654, John Bramley at (862) 268-1326, or Cheryl Shuck at (973) 727-7626 or email by clicking here.

Mount Holleran Town Tavern is located at 450 North Beverwyck Road.

Additional monetary donations for Bramley can be sent through PayPal to xmas2567@verizon.net.

Death In Mt. Olive Township Poses No Danger To Community

By

-

Sep 1, 2015

MT. OLIVE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Mt. Olive Chief of Police Mark Spitzer announce an investigation into a death in Mt. Olive Township.

On Monday, August 31, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was contacted by officers of the Mt. Olive Township Police Department regarding a 911 call concerning an unresponsive person.

Officers arrived at the location on Bartley Road, in Mt. Olive Township and a joint investigation was commenced involving the Major Crimes Unit and the Special Enforcement Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mt. Olive Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

The identity of the individual as well as the cause and manner of death is being withheld as this remains an active investigation. No further information will be released regarding this matter.

It does not appear at this time that there is any risk to the general public.

Any inquiries can be directed to Morris County Deputy Chief of Investigations Denise Arseneault at (973) 285-6262 or darseneault@co.morris.nj.us.

Two PHHS Football Players among MSG Varsity Top 125

By

-

Sep 1, 2015

verducciwithball — Nick Verducci on the field at Met Life Stadium

PARSIPPANY — Jared Salgado and Nick Verducci, were among the MSG Varsity “Top 125 Players Football to Watch in North Jersey.”

Salgardo a senior at 5’11’, 220 pounds. He plays running back and linebacker for the Vikings.

Verducci, a quarterback and defensive back, is a sophomore, 5’11’, 175 pounds.

The Parsippany Hills Vikings football team has their first game of the season away at West Morris Central on Friday, September 11.

PHHS Vikings are Division 2, Group 3, State Final Champions in 2014, having crushed Cranford into cranberries, final score Vikings, (20) vs Cranford, (13) at MetLife Stadium on December 7.

Their 2015 schedule is:

09-11

09-18

09-24

10-03

10-09

10-17

10-24

10-31

11-06

New Jersey Updated Child Restraint Laws goes in effect today

By

-

Sep 1, 2015

snook — Dean Snook, Chief of Emergency Medical Services of Parsippany-Troy Hills checking the safety of the car seat used by 4 year old Parsippany resident Dylan Mazzarella.

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill into law that amended New Jersey’s child restraint law, on May 7, 2015. This new law takes effect today, September 1, 2015.

We know that legal jargon is very confusing so here is the updated carseat and booster seat law in plain English:

Children under the age of 8 (through age 7) are legally required to ride in the back seat* as follows:

Under age 2 (0-23 months) and weighing less than 30 pounds are required to use a rear-facing carseat with a 5-point harness. This means a convertible used in the rear-facing position or an infant seat. (Note: Most babies will outgrow an infant carrier before their second birthday and will need to transition to a convertible seat used in the rear-facing position. Unless you start off with a convertible seat from birth and then there is no need to transition to a bigger rear-facing seat.)
Age 2 through age 3 (24-47 months) secured in a carseat with 5-point harness either rear-facing (until reaching the weight or height limit) or forward-facing. Having a 3-year-old in just a booster seat is not legal unless they weigh more than 40 pounds.
Age 4 through age 7 (48 months until 8th birthday) and less than 57 inches tall (4’9″) secured in a forward-facing carseat with 5-point harness or a booster seat. There is no weight requirement in this updated law – only age and height requirements. (Note: If you have an older child who weighs more than 80 pounds. and you’re having a hard time finding a booster seat that they actually still fit in – consider a Safety 1st Incognito Kid Positioner. It’s specifically designed for bigger, older kids.)
Age 8 through 17 shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.

Exceptions: If there are no rear seats (e.g., standard cab pickup truck), the child shall be secured in a carseat or booster in the front passenger seat except that no child shall be secured in a rear-facing carseat in the front seat of any motor vehicle which is equipped with a passenger-side airbag that is not disabled or turned off.

Full text of the new law can be found by clicking here.

March of Dimes presents plaque to Kiwanis for their active participation

By

-

Aug 31, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Angela Debrot, Community Director of the New Jersey Chapter of the March of Dimes, is shown with President Mimi Letts at a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany presenting a plaque to thank the Club for its active participation in the March for Babies.

The New Jersey Chapter held its annual March for Babies fundraiser this past April in Florham Park. The Kiwanis Club has been an active supporter of the March, not only with financial contributions, but with volunteer staffing service since the Kiwanis Club was founded nearly 25 years ago.

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The foundation, headquartered in White Plains, NY, has 51 chapters across the U.S., including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The March of Dimes provides mothers, pregnant women and women of childbearing age with educational resources on baby health, pregnancy, preconception and new motherhood, as well as supplying information and support to families affected by prematurity, birth defects, or other infant health problems.

^{The March of Dimes, founded in 1938 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, had fighting polio as its original mission.}

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.

New center to focus on Lyme disease and its long-term consequences

By

-

Aug 31, 2015

BALTIMORE — Antibiotics have been so effective in wiping out all traces of Lyme disease infections that doctors haven’t always believed people who said they still suffered for months or even years. Many chafed at the idea of “chronic” Lyme disease because they believed patients no longer had it. But the scientific community has been coalescing…

Hot, sunny weather in Parsippany for next few days

By

-

Aug 31, 2015

The 90 plus degree weather that began Sunday is expected to continue on Monday. Highs reached 91 at Newark Liberty International in mid-afternoon and are expected to reach 93 there today, according to the National Weather Service. The final day of August will be sunny, as will Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The mercury each day will…

Red Hawks traditional football motorcade rolls on

By

-

Aug 31, 2015

PARSIPPANY — If you were driving around the east side of Parsippany on Saturday, August 29 and you saw a motorcade of Firetrucks, ambulances, police cars, school buses, rescue and recovery and a dozen convertibles, then you witnessed the Parsippany High School Football team motorcade.

The motorcade started at the High School on Baldwin Road and went to fourteen different homes picking up the seniors until it finished on Roosevelt Avenue and then the motorcade continued back to the High School to celebrate with a picnic near the football field.

Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4, Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5, Rockaway Neck Ambulance Squad, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Parsippany Police Department all participated in the motorcade.

Senior members of the Parsippany High School Football Team and the Senior Cheerleaders

Nicholas Bucciarelli with his favorite cheerleaders

Cheerleaders Mildred Agenor, Malcolm Green and Destiny Duffaut

Joe Stanton giving a bouquet of flowers to his favorite cheerleader

Junior Rob Hockey (#23) participating in the motorcade

Karissa Nussbaum, Alexa Skladany, Alyssa Hockey and Julia Kloss

Cheerleaders Aimee Picinich, Adriana DiFilippo, Samantha Zarro and Cassie Siefert decorate the buses

Marcus Ng’oche, Rich Martin, Nick Zimmermann, Nicholas Bucciarelli and Joe Stanton

Chris Lupo, Kyle Braer, Rich Demary and Rob Hockey

Nick Bucciarelli was all smiles driving in the motorcade with his favorite cheerleaders

Volunters from Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire District 4 and Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 5

Rescue and Recovery volunteers participated in the Motorcade. Chief John Tranculov, Secretary Rafael Ortiz and Barney Collins

Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad volunteering the the motorcade

Phil Metta running out of his garage through the football

Hamza Naqvi, Chris Lupo, Richie demary, Adam Shandra, Maxwell Johnson, John Krevis and Ralph Jean-Francois

Express check-in? Vehicle crashed into hotel lobby windows

By

-

Aug 29, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department responded to the Fairfield Inn Suites, Route 46 and Cherry Hill Road on Saturday morning after a vehicle crashed into two lobby windows near the entrance to the hotel.

The accident occurred some time after 10:00 a.m. at the hotel. A Parsippany police officer responded to the scene along with a Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance squad.

A hotel employee said two window panels were damaged. No one was injured.

Pictured: A hotel employee blocking off the two windows damaged by the vehicle.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals donates to fire department

By

-

Aug 29, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Ferring Pharmaceuticals donated money to the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department #2 to purchase equipment needed for firefighting operations.

Pictured, Ferring Pharmaceuticals placed in service a Blow Hard battery-powered fan and a 360 LED portable light. Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department thanks Ferring Pharmaceuticals for being a great supporter of our fire company.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals is located at 100 Interpace Parkway.

Ferring is a visionary, privately held biopharmaceutical company recognized around the world.

Their mission is to help patients live better lives: by researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing the most effective and innovative products in reproductive health, women’s health, urology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and orthopedics.

For more information on Ferring Pharmaceuticals, click here.

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Day

By

-

Aug 29, 2015

PARSIPPANY — Mark Saturday, September 12 on your calendar as the day to get rid of all of your unwanted hazardous household products and old electronic equipment that has been accumulating in your basement or garage.

The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority’s free Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Computer/T.V. Drop-off event will be held on Saturday, September 12.

It will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany, at the border of Morris Township.

Morris County residents can drop-off, at no charge, unwanted hazardous materials and electronic devices, including computers, monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines and televisions from their homes.

The list of acceptable hazardous materials include, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, oil-based paints, stains, paint thinners and removers, solvents, automotive fluids, lead acid and rechargeable batteries, pool chemicals, and darkroom chemicals.

Also accepted are aerosol cans (not empty), propane and helium cylinders, small quantities of asbestos (wetted, double bagged and sealed with duct tape), driveway sealant, roofing tar, fluorescent bulbs, PCB-ballasts, mercury thermometers and switches, household cleaning products, muriatic acid. Latex paint will not be accepted.

Explosive or highly reactive materials, such as picric acid or nitro compounds, will not be accepted. For information about safe disposal of explosive or reactive material, call (973) 631-5109.

It is important to note that this event is for residential household waste and electronics. Businesses are not permitted to attend this disposal event. For information on business disposal, call (973) 631-5109

For more information about these events, call (973) 285-8394, or visit the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority website, www.MCMUA.com\

Another Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Computer/T.V. Drop-off event has been scheduled for Sunday, October 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Department of Public Works garage.

The MUA holds several disposal days each year at the County Academy and other locations around Morris County. For more specific information, click here.

Search for Applicants for the CCM Board of Trustees has been Expanded to Four Seats

By

-

Aug 29, 2015

RANDOLPH — There are now four seats on the County College of Morris Board of Trustees to be filled by the Morris County Board of Freeholders this fall due to a recent trustee resignation.

Morris County residents interested in serving on the CCM Board of Trustees are invited to send their resumes to a special trustees’ search committee of the Morris County Freeholders.

The committee will review all of the applicants and then submit recommendation to the freeholders, who will make the appointments this fall.

Three four-year terms of freeholder-appointed trustees expire at the end of October, while the recent resignation of Trustee William Schievella has resulted in a two-year vacancy that also must be filled. The three sitting trustees also must reapply by the September 6 deadline if they wish to be considered for reappointment.

To qualify for consideration by the search committee, a candidate must be a resident of Morris County for at least four years, and may not hold a current elected office in Morris County or be an employee of Morris County government or CCM.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate independent judgment, distinction in their profession, knowledge of higher education, and a firm commitment to serving the college. A candidate must be willing to commit at least 15-20 hours a month to his or her duties as a college trustee to be considered for appointment.

Duties of trustees include appointing, supporting and evaluating the college president; clarifying and, if necessary, revising the college’s mission statement; ratifying long term plans; approving the college’s educational program; insuring fiscal viability; and maintaining the college’s physical plant.

The CCM search committee requests that resumes be accompanied by a background statement from each applicant outlining why he or she wishes to serve as a trustees and what specific skills the applicant would bring to the board.

Applicants are asked to send eight copies of their resume and that brief background statement to the Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, N.J. 07963-0900.

The County College of Morris Board of Trustees is composed of eleven Morris County residents from business, education, law and other professional fields, who volunteer their services in four-year terms.

By statute, eight members are appointed by the Morris County Freeholders and two members are appointed by the Governor. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a member of the Board by statute. One non-voting CCM graduate member is elected for a one-year term by each year’s graduating class. In addition, the CCM President serves as an ex-officio member.

The Board of Trustees sets policy and has final authority over budgets and expenditures, and the President is responsible for internal administrative operations.

For more information on CCM, click here.

For more information on the Board of Trustees, click here.

Who has the lowest gas prices in Parsippany?

By

-

Aug 29, 2015