Education

NEW JERSEY — (Updated 11:48 a.m.) Amid increasing pressure from students and their families, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday that schools will be allowed to have in-person graduation ceremonies, something that would have previously been prohibited under the state’s COVID-19 social distancing orders.

The graduation ceremonies, Murphy said, will be permitted to begin July 6 as ...

Following public pressure, the district has added a second grade section at Tamaques School.

WESTFIELD, NJ — Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for full-day public kindergarten in Westfield are on hold.

The school board’s long-range planning committee met earlier in May and determined it would be best not to move forward with plans for full-day kindergarten at this time, said ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield High School community has honored four teachers with awards of excellence, the school district announced. 

During virtual announcements to staff and students last week, Principal Mary Asfendis named the award winners, who were nominated by students, staff and parents at the school, school officials said.

Science teacher Suzanne Glynn earned the ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Despite the pandemic leading to the cancellations of many large events and gatherings, Westfield High School senior Alexis Hammer is still holding out hope for an in-person graduation ceremony this year.

Hammer, the senior class president, published a letter, which she sent to Gov. Phil Murphy, on various social media platforms. The letter explains the necessity ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — Graduation plans for Westfield public schools have not been finalized as the district awaits updated guidance from the state, school officials said this week.

“WHS administration continues to work with seniors, teachers and parents on June 23 virtual graduation as they await updated guidance from Governor Murphy,” district spokesperson Mary Ann McGann ...

Instruction at Westfield’s public schools will remain online through at least the end of the summer.

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield school board approved the district’s new distance learning plan, which was updated to meet additional requirements set forth by the state, during its virtual meeting Tuesday night.

The board voted 8-0 in favor of the plan. Board member Tara ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — A student at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains is the winner of a National Merit Scholarship award.

Westfield resident Deborah C. Obiajulu, who has a probable career in medicine, has won a $2,500 scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced.

Obiajulu is among 2,500 merit scholarship designees chosen from 15,000 finalists in the ...

WESTFIELD, NJ — A member of Girl Scout Troop 40430 has earned the highest award a girl scout cadette can.

Ashleigh Stewart earned her silver award by working with Saint Joseph’s Social Service Center to improve their afterschool program with a variety of activities.

“Over the summer, I created and taught theater and drama lessons and games for the students,” ...

NEW JERSEY — Has coronavirus put a crimp in your high graduation? You're not the only one, and a growing chorus of signers to an online petition want the governor to do something about it.

One parent has started an online petition calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to “find a creative way for the class of 2020 to graduate in a traditional matter.” By of 5:20 p.m.

WESTFIELD, NJ — With the Westfield Memorial Library closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the children’s department is undergoing redecoration due to the generosity of the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library.

The children’s department now features a series of arches made to capture the beauty of nature, decorated with flowers, creatures and other greenery. All of ...