Montclair's First Day Of School: A Survival Guide

The pencils are sharpened and the backpacks are bought. It must be the first day of school in Montclair.

Some 6,000 students will return to Montclair's 11 public schools Thursday, where they will be welcomed by 50 new staff members.

"We have visited all 11 schools and we are ready to receive students on Thursday," said Acting Schools Superintendent Dr. Clarence Hoover.

Hoover said about 100 new students are entering the school district this year, making conditions at the elementary and middle school levels a bit "tight."

New teachers include Emma McKeon, an 8th grade science teacher at Glenfield Middle School who once attended Renaissance Middle School.

“Having been on the other side gives me a unique perspective,” McKeon said. “The diversity of this district is a great thing. It’s awesome being back here.”

Also new this year is the principal at Watchung Elementary School. Joseph Schmidt, who had been curriculum supervisor for the Morris School District in Morristown, was tapped in June to replace Peter Turnamian, who resigned to take an assistant superintendent job in Newark.

However, district officials are still seeking a

Still to come in the next few weeks: the district expects to receive, from state officials, NJ ASK scores for students in grades 3 through 8 on or about Sept. 10. The district intends to mail out the scores within a few days of receiving them.

Montclair also will welcome a new superintendent, on Nov. 1. MacCormack will replace Hoover, who's been serving as acting superintendent since Dr. Frank Alvarez announced he was leaving earlier this year.

The 2,000-student of a new small learning community this fall called the Business and Entrepreneurship Learning Academy. And a redecorated cafeteria will sport more conversation-friendly round tables instead of the traditional rectangular ones.

Finally, don't forget. The school district will be closed on Sept. 17 for Rosh Hashanah and on Sept. 26 for Yom Kippur.

In general, there is a lot of information to know, but don’t worry, there is no test. It is all right here on Patch.  

Everything you need to know to about the first day of school: 

• Transportation/Bus Information
• School Calendar
• PTA Information
• General District Information
• School Lunch Menus
• Montclair High School Sports Schedule

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And happy first day of school Montclair!