News from the Fair Haven School District

On a recent August evening, a student at Viola L. Sickles School in Fair Haven bravely approached her new Principal. She introduced herself as Marlene and said that she would be entering the third grade in September.

Marlene was greeted with an enthusiastic handshake and a smile by Cheryl Cuddihy, who is beginning her first year as Principal of Sickles School. “Marlene, I’m so excited to meet you and so happy that I will be your school’s Principal,” she enthused.

This cheerful “meet and greet” did not occur in the traditional way, on school property during the first day of school. Marlene and her new Principal got to know one another as part of a different tradition, one that is both unique and endearing, and always occurs during the waning days of summer in Fair Haven.

Cuddihy was introduced to Marlene and many other students while working alongside Knollwood School Educational System Coordinator Kathy Elgrim in the shuffleboard game booth at the Fair Haven Fireman’s Fair.

Fair Haven is home to the largest Fireman’s Fair in New Jersey, one that has been running during most of the Fire Company’s 100-plus year history. Produced by the Fair Haven Fire Company and held on its grounds on River Road each summer, the fair offers games, rides, and food as well as the opportunity for local students to meet their teacher, principal, or superintendent.

Faculty and administration from both of Fair Haven’s grammar schools -- the Pre-K to third grade Viola L. Sickles School on Willow Street and the fourth through eighth grade Knollwood School on Hance Avenue -- volunteer in a game booth at the fair each year.

Ami Ohe, who is beginning her first year as a fifth-grade teacher at Knollwood School, viewed the Fireman’s Fair as a golden opportunity to get better acquainted with the town’s residents. While she and Knollwood School Principal Kevin Davis assisted the many children taking their best shots at knocking down bowling pins, Ohe described her experience as a new hire and fair volunteer.

“I really love what I have seen of the Fair Haven school district and the town, and working at the fair is just reinforcing that feeling,” said Ohe. “Everyone is so friendly, and this has just been a wonderful opportunity.”

Also supporting the Fair Haven Fire Company by working at the shuffleboard booth were Morgan Bufano, Kevin Burke, Tammy Cappello, Monica Caruso, Tracy Cook, Courtney Davis, Karen Florio, Ashley Goral, Kim Lagroterria, Lisa McCabe, Val Petrone, Nelson Ribon, Numar Vasquez, and Wilma Vaughn.

Photo: Cheryl Cuddihy, the new Principal of Viola L. Sickles School in Fair Haven, meets third-grade student Marlene Kruger at the Fireman’s Fair.