The Tyranny of the Minority Part 1
-Steve Greguske This article is the first of several articles that will take you on a journey into an environment where kindness and critical thinking are discouraged. The journey begins by googling the following phrase: New Jersey Department of Education Transgender Guidance for Schools You will find a seven-page PDF document with the stated purpose to “…create an inclusive environment...
Lack of Math Supervisor Leaves Berkeley Heights Public Schools Leaderless in a Key Content Area
Berkeley Heights is the only school district in the area with no administrative oversight for mathematics students, teachers, courses, and curriculum. -Written by an Educator in the Community Berkeley Heights Public Schools (BHPS) no longer has a math supervisor. The role of a math supervisor, particularly at Governor Livingston High School (GLHS) and Columbia Middle School (CMS), was essential to...
Berkeley Heights Public Schools Lacks a World Language Program in Chinese (or Asian) Studies
Where is the “inclusion” and “diversity”? – An Educator in the Community Shares A Second Article on our World Languages Program Berkeley Heights Public Schools (BHPS) is the only surrounding district that does not have – nor considers – a Chinese/Asian World Language program for high school students. Following up on the first article where Columbia Middle School (CMS) students...
Parent Questions to Dr. Varley on Cuts to Subscription Busing
Decision on cuts made by BOE Finance Committee –Margit Pedraza On August 3, 2023, I, along with other parents, received an email informing us that subscription busing is being cancelled for CMS, MKM and MP for the upcoming school year. I was truly disappointed and frustrated by this decision given the added hardship it places on parents especially me as...
Parent Questions to Angela Penna on Busing Cuts
Email exchange between a parent and the BOE President on the controversial cuts to subscription busing. -Jessica Lesperance With the recent notice about subscription busing, I thought it would be helpful to share correspondence that I started with administration regarding courtesy busing back in March. As you will see, I eventually got one response but never any follow up after...
From Our Inbox: 08/06/2023
Will CMS no longer offer sewing or cooking classes? Recently a Community Member sent us the following message: I am wondering if the middle school parents have been informed that there will no longer be any sewing or cooking classes offered to students? I know Top Chef was a big hit in the past. Based on our sources this is...
Expanding World Language Programs Nearby Leaves Berkeley Heights’ Students Behind
An Educator in the Community Offers Insight into Our World Languages Program At this moment, a seventh grade student taking World Language (Spanish, French, Italian) at Columbia Middle School (CMS) only receives half-year of instruction. Whereas for the remaining half of the school year, CMS students take another elective or in many cases, an unstructured study hall in a noisy...
‘Here is Where The Lying Begins In Earnest’
BHCW Video Presentation On The District’s Bizarre Attempt to Prevent Public Access To The White Wash of The BHPSNJ Declines Related Content: The Saga to Attain the Proficiency Analysis Report that “Doesn’t Exist” The Administration’s Response To Our District’s Declines Was Everything We Expected and Less! All of BHCW’s Video Presentations This Article Made Possible by OPRA…Learn How To Protect...
Resident Presentation During the 06/22/2023 Zoning Board on Westminster
We are better served when we use evidence to hold expert opinion accountable… In this clip, a resident provides the Zoning Board with important information about the environmental impact of the Westminster project. Listen carefully to how the expert responds to the resident’s presentation and how the resident counters with on-the-ground knowledge of the area. One thing I would advise...
Steve Mondragon’s Position on Transparency And OPRA
Steve Mondragon candidate for Berkeley Heights Town Council adds his voice to the local discussion on proposed legislation seeking to change OPRA and Transparency -Steve Mondragon Trust is a fundamental principle in a representative democracy. Without trust, the system doesn’t function properly. That trust is earned, not given. It takes time to nurture and cultivate, and needs constant tending to...
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