In other news, the Walk of Hope for infertility will take place at Washington Lake Park on Sunday, April 15.
Mayor Joann Gattinelli introduced the 2018 municipal budget at the latest council meeting, and Washington Township police, along with fire and EMS officials, executed an active shooter drill at Bells Elementary School on Tuesday, March 27. Catch up on some of the top stories you missed, in our Weekly Roundup.
Active shooter drill
he Washington Township Police Department, along with fire and emergency medical personnel, worked hand-in-hand to to execute an active shooter drill at Bells Elementary School on Tuesday, March 27. The drill featured volunteers role playing an active shooter, injured victims and first responders acting out procedures — combined with special effects — in an effort to show school and government officials how a real-life situation would be handled if it occurred within the district.
Mayor introduces 2018 budget at council meeting
“For the second consecutive year, the annual operating budget for 2018 — there [is] no municipal tax increase without any reduction in municipal services. In fact, municipal services are being enhanced in order to improve the quality of life that Washington Township residents expect and deserve,” Gattinelli said. Gattinelli also noted the 2018 budget will use $3.4 million of the surplus, bringing the ending balance to approximately $5 million.
Walk of Hope
Walk of Hope, a national fundraising event through the national infertility association RESOLVE, will host its first-ever local walk at Washington Lake Park on April 15. The event has raised $26,244 to date so far, according to executive committee member Lynn Polin. Executive committee member Nancy Beard said the event is kid-friendly, and will feature a moon bounce, balloon artist, tailgating games and a DJ. To register or donate, visit www.bit.ly/WalkofHope-Sewell.
Washington Township schools set to host second annual EdCamp
The Washington Township Schools will host their second annual EdCamp “Happy Camper” on Saturday, April 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Washington Township High School. Last year, nearly 170 people attended the EdCamp from 33 different school districts.Administrators, board of education members, educational aides, college professors, and even college students hoping to enter the field of education, are invited to the free event. A complimentary breakfast and lunch are provided and many prizes will be awarded throughout the day. All attendees will receive five professional development hours.
Washington Township Police Department to participate in “UDrive Utext UPay” state campaign
Seventeen Gloucester County municipal police departments and the Rowan University Police Department will share in a $66,000 state grant to fund distracted driving patrols beginning April 1 and running through April 21. The program is part of New Jersey’s “UDrive UText UPay” enforcement campaign. In addition to the Rowan PD, participating departments are: Washington, Franklin, East Greenwich, Greenwich, Harrison, Deptford, Monroe, Mantua, West Deptford, Logan, Woolwich and Elk townships, Westville, Woodbury, Woodbury Heights, Glassboro and Clayton.
BHMS girls basketball team raises funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
The Bunker Hill Middle School girls basketball team — with the help of coach Lisa Bramante and fellow BHMS students and staff — was able to present a $1,257 donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on March 20, after hosting a successful teacher versus student basketball game on March 9. The fundraiser was held in honor of players Kayla and Abby Kulikowski’s mother, Michele, who was diagnosed with leukemia in October.
GTECC to welcome new principal after 19-year principal retires
Principal Wendy Crawford said farewell to 19 years at Grenloch Terrace Early Childhood Center on Friday, March 23, as she takes her next steps toward retirement. Since 1999, Crawford has created those lasting first impressions on preschool and kindergarten students and parents coming to GTECC to start their educational journey. GTECC will welcome its new principal, Christina Cox, on April 2. Cox said her main goals as principal will be developing relationships with parents, really getting to know students and staff and continuing to enhance the culture and community that’s already been established at GTECC.
