It seems like it was just a short time ago when West Orange students were running out the doors of their schools chanting “no more pencils, no more books.”
But after enduring one of the hottest summers on record, the youth of West Orange returned to school on Tuesday, ready to begin another year of new lessons, new experiences and fun.
Superintendent of Schools Anthony Cavanna is very excited about the upcoming academic year. “The themes for this year are communication and academic achievement,” he said
Cavanna certainly has a lot on his plate this year. Enrollment for the district is already poised to surpass the 6,700 students who were enrolled last year while the district’s budget has been slashed by $9 million.
This has resulted in larger class sizes due to the loss of 94 full-time positions. When asked how he plans to contend with these recent and severe setbacks, Cavanna responded quite matter-of-factly: “we’re doing more with less.”
Academics are essential
“This year, we will look closely at how we can raise academic achievement levels,” said Cavanna. To do so, the district is employing a new assessment system, which informs teachers on a regular basis how the progress of their students compares to state standards. The system tries to ensure that students who are having difficulties get the individualized attention they need, and simultaneously attempts to assure that proficient students are appropriately challenged.
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It seems like it was just a short time ago when West Orange students were running out the doors of their schools chanting “no more pencils, no more books.” 
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