School News

The Franklin Park School PTO held its annual back-to-school ice cream social on Sept. 19. PTO co-president Kimberly Stephens said the social is a way to greet new students and welcome back returning students.

Students, parents and staff at Cedar Hill Prep School on Cedar Grove Lane held their annual summer picnic on Sept. 6. Among the offerings were music, food and games for the children.

The Center School, a private school for learning-disabled students, formally opened its new facility Sept. 10 at 2 Riverview Dr. The school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Brian Levine, state Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-17) and representatives from the Somerset County Business partnership and the Tri-County Chamber.

From left, Orvyl Wilson, the school district’s director of school management, Mayor Brian Levine and interim schools Superintendent Dr. Lee Seitz take the ALS ice bucket challenge during halftime of the Sept. 12 football game against Hillsborough. Kim Kenny, the district athletics director, challenged the mayor earlier this summer. Kenny and other athletics department members took the challenge in memory …

There wasn’t  a lot of crying on the first day of school at MacAfee Road School, but that doesn’t mean emotions weren’t running high. “I’m holding back the tears,” Brittany McGuire said, after she left her son, Xavier, for his first day of Kindergarten.

A number of school children in the township and surrounding area will start this school year with supplies donated by a local foundation. Gina Bowser, founder of the Zakee Bowser Enrichment Foundation, late last month held her annual giveaway of backpacks and school supplies at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Route 27.

It’s not just Warrior athletes who go home with trophies. Members of Franklin High School’s varied academic competition teams did well during the 2013-2014 school year, mostly without the publicity and accolades afforded champions of sport.

A 12-year-old program that brings a mobile “lending library” to school children during the summer is in full swing in the township. Called “Books in the Park,” the program targets summer recreation programs and the township’s rental communities. Several district teachers and a handful of Franklin High School students help children “take out” books and lead them in crafts and …

A Franklin High School student will join 49 other students from around the country in a leadership camp hosted by Gen. Tommy Franks (Ret.). Kishan Patel, 17, an incoming senior, was chosen to participate in the “Four Star Leadership Program” for his “demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding character,” according to a press release.