Also, WTHS recognized for College Board’s 7th annual Honor Roll and petition circulates for public vote on adopted ordinance
Schools across the district celebrated Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuss’s birthday with special guests and reading activities while residents around the township signed a petition against the salary range ordinance recently adopted by council, pushing for a public vote in November. The Board of Education recognized Washington Township High School Advanced Placement teachers after the district was named to College Board’s 7th annual Honor Roll, while Chestnut Ridge Middle School student ambassadors shared their roles as leaders within the halls. Check out some of the top stories from the past week in the Weekly Roundup.
Junior ROTC members kick off Read Across America Week with Birches Elementary students
This week, the Washington Township school district celebrated Read Across America Week with special guests and activities to promote literacy and reading fun. Mayor Joann Gattinelli, Chief of Police Patrick Gurcsik, members of the Board Education and Junior ROTC cadets are just a few of the visitors schools welcomed into the classroom. Some students even had the chance to experience real green eggs and ham for Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
Residents petition for public vote on salary range ordinance
A salary range ordinance was adopted by township council that would raise minimums and maximums for certain employees and officers by 7–13 percent. At the public hearing on Feb. 22, many residents spoke they opposition to the council. When the vote was cast 3–2 for adoption, resident Brian McBride took it upon himself to create a petition that could put the ordinance on the November ballot for public vote. As of last week, the petition had more than 400 signatures.
Bells Elementary places fifth in state chess championship
Members of the Bells Elementary School Chess Club competed against 22 other schools from across the state in the New Jersey State Chess Championship, hosted at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. The club placed fifth in the elementary school division as the only public school and the only South Jersey school in the competition.
Community garden in preparation for spring opening
The Washington Township Community Garden is now accepting applications for this season’s 18 available plots. Located in the Washington Lake Park, the garden gives residents the opportunity to plant vegetables, herbs or flowers in their own 10'x10' plot of soiled land. The Environmental Commission and Open Space Committee are aiming for a grand opening date of April 1.
Advanced Placement teachers recognized, CRMS student ambassadors present at BOE meeting
At last week’s Board of Education meeting, Washington Township High School Advanced Placement teachers were recognized for being named to College Board’s 7th annual Honor Roll. Washington Township was one of 425 school districts in the U.S. and Canada on the list, as well as one in 40 from New Jersey and one of two in Gloucester County. Student Ambassadors from Chestnut Ridge Middle School also presented to the board their leadership roles and acts of kindness towards new students, families and visitors that stop by their school.
