Week in Review: Liquor Licenses, ShopRite Cup, GLHS Parking Issues

Every high school in America dreams of the opportunity to produce a championship team in at least one of its sports, and New Providence High School is not exception. At the New Providence Board of Education meeting Thursday night, Superintendent David Miceli announced that the high school had moved beyond the dream phase into reality, . To earn this award, schools must accumulate points based on their performance in championship play in 32 individual sports sanctioned by the NJSIAA. Fall, winter and spring sports are all included. Schools receive points for finishing first, second, third and fourth in group state championships. To achieve its championship ranking, New Providence notched 36 points, which was achieved through a 2011-2012 season 1st place in Girls' Soccer, a tie for 3rd in Football, 4th in Boys' Indoors Track & Field Relays, 1st in Boys' Tennis, plus nine points for having no disqualifications in all three seasons.

There was quite a problem when it came to parking for seniors this past year at . “There were too many seniors and juniors parking in the parking lots, and there weren’t enough spaces,” said Ronald Jordan, one of three students who came to the Board of Education meeting to present their parking plan on Thursday night. “People were parking illegally and there were a few minor accidents.” “We propose to have only seniors drive,” Jordan said. “Seniors can register, and pay $10. After that, you will get your own assigned spot.” Kerri Paliwoda, another student presenting the plan, said driving to school is supposed to be a senior privilege. Superintendent Judith Rattner said the board will determine if they will move forward with the plan and get back to the students. She also added that “[Principal Scott] McKinney is endorsing the proposal.” If the plan is passed, the three students would conduct a lottery this summer for seniors.

, paving the path for the sale of the first license later this year. The approval of this amended ordinance was a long time in the making. On three separate occasions over the past 60 years, various residents have tried to gain council and community support to change the ordinance to allow for the sale of liquor consumption licenses. Last November, to restaurants, which allows for alcoholic beverages to be served by the glass.

Superintendent Judith Rattner presented the district's . One of the goals expected to be completed by June 2013 is to increase students achievement by examining “Understanding by Design” as it relates to curriculum development. Also by June 2013, the board will review the current teacher evaluation system and determine if any changes are needed. By June 2014, the Board said that it would like to develop a staff-input system that could analyze resources and best meet the needs of the students. A regular feedback mechanism would be a part of the system and that feedback would be shared across schools, Rattner said. Rattner was excited about the proposed plan but said there could always be roadblocks along the way.

, greeted by a round of applause by the council who congratulated him and welcomed him to town after an extensive search. Mayor Joseph Bruno said the township exhausted their search and were "very picky" when looking at candidates. Marceau will be making $86,100 per year for four years. If his contract is renewed after four years, he will be tenured in the town.

, more than 800 people have signed on to an online effort in support of the . The effort has been directed at Berkeley Heights Mayor Joseph Bruno and the Town Council, which , which was . The center's application in still pending at the Planning Board. BAC has regrouped after the Berkeley Heights vote, launching the Back the BAC website, which includes information about the center and an advocacy link that generates emails to the Berkeley Heights council expressing the sender's support for the project.

. "Right now, all we know is there was a one car motor vehicle accident. The driver went off the road, struck a tree, sustained some head injury and was medevacked to Morristown Memorial Hospital," said State Police Trooper Michael Lif. Besides the State Police, EMS and the New Providence Fire Department were dispatched to the scene.

Deborah V. H. Cook, Director of  in New Providence, recently donated a check on behalf of the School for $1,216 to the Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter (JBWS). JBWS is a member of the United Way Agency and provides a safe haven for women and children. The funds were raised by St. Andrew’s during their yearly Spring Fling fundraiser. A large number of toys, books, games and clothing were also collected during the event and donated to the JBWS.

UPCOMING FIREWORKS FOR FOURTH OF JULY

New Providence will celebrate Independence Day with a Fireworks display, sponsored by the New Providence Business and Professional Association. Festivities will begin on Tuesday, July 3 around the intersection of South Street and Springfield Avenue. Mountainside will host it’s annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, which is sponsored by the Mayor and Council, Police Athletic League and the Mountainside Fire Department. Festivities will start at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, located at 300 Central Ave. in Mountainside. for more information on each event.