New School Year Begins In West Orange (PHOTOS)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — More than 7,000 students from preschool through grade 12 returned for the first day of a new school year last week in West Orange. It was a joyous moment for many of them – while others returned with heavy hearts due to a school shooting in Georgia.

Teachers and staff were on hand to greet students and parents with a smile as a new school year began on Sept. 4.

Administrators shared a set of smile-inducing back-to-school photos, which can be seen online here.

Superintendent Hayden Moore – who has children attending the West Orange Public School District – visited several schools during the course of the day.

“We have started the school year with great anticipation and enthusiasm to reconnect with our peers, our families and our colleagues,” Moore wrote in a letter to the community.

“The feeling of camaraderie and collaboration is something I look forward to every new school year and it is the bonus aspect of my career in education,” Moore continued. “As we establish a secure footing and routine in the first weeks of school, I always find patience and understanding as my best tools.”

Moore noted that the year began with a tragic note, as well:

“This week also brought news of a terrible incident in a school in Georgia where a shooting has taken the life of two students and two faculty. While this is devastating to those close to them, it is also true that this sad news has an impact on everyone. Here in West Orange, we offer condolences to their families, administration, and community. Safety and security is always a top priority in our schools. We are fortunate to have a strong collaboration with our first responders within our West Orange Police Department and Fire Department.”

That relationship was also highlighted in a news release from the township:

“The West Orange Police Department’s Community Service Unit [recently] stepped forward to ensure that the children of West Orange are equipped and ready to continue their academic journey. The Timothy Groves Police Substation on Washington Street buzzed with excitement and gratitude this past August 17. Families lined up as children eagerly picked out new backpacks filled with many necessary school supplies. Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, folders, and other items were distributed by West Orange Police Officers and several volunteers.”

“This initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of community members and the dedication of our officers,” township officials added. “The backpacks and wide array of school supplies were all donated by both friends of the West Orange Police Department and police officers themselves. The success of this event highlighted the dedication of our officers to serve the community in meaningful ways beyond just public safety. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact of community engagement.”

• See Related: West Orange School Calendar (Important Dates For 2024-2025)

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.