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School Days Are Here Again
By Ambrose Bierce, Editor in Chief
Another summer is over and on September 4, Hillside's public schools will open their doors once again for another school year.
Many students and their parents will notice the changes and improvements made in the town's seven schools, including curriculum and schedule revamps and improved facilities.
Even teachers will be greeted by surprises: two new school principals and two new vice-principals have been hired over the summer.
Walter O. Krumbiegel Middle School, often cited as being an "ignored school", will have an entirely new administrative team. Norman Crystal will be the new Principal following Gregory Tatum's leave, while Corey Lowery will be the new Vice-Principal. Lowery is a girl's basketball coach in the district.
The 7th and 8th graders at WOK will have block scheduling for the first time. Block scheduling keeps students in class longer and was implemented at the High School last year as well.
In addition, the 8th grade math curriculum has been upgraded so that all students will take Algebra, giving them a head start for high school math classes, which prepare students for the state HSPA test.
Meanwhile at George Washington Elementary School, students will be greeted by a new Principal, Victoria Palmer-Gilliard. Palmer-Gilliard served as vice-principal of A.P. Morris elementary school last year, but was appointed by the school board to replace the retiring Martin Gulino at GW.
The VP at GW will be Lynette Charles. Charles will be working as vice-principal at both GW an A.P. Morris. The school board, to save on costs that two full vice-principals would incur, created this half-time administration position.
All administrators were interviewed by the Superintendent, members of the Board's Labor committee, and parents and teachers from each of the schools.
REGISTRATION NECESSARY
In an effort to ensure that only Hillside students are enrolled in the schools, the Board is continuing its policy that requires parents to re-register children every year.
Registration forms went out near the end of last year, but a handful of students in each school have yet to be re-enrolled, administration sources say.
Students will not receive class schedules or teacher assignments until registration forms have been completed by parents.
The forms are available at school offices and two proofs of residency are required.
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