Cedar Grove Schools Roundup: Referendum Plans, Robotics Run and Student Honors

Referendum planning

Cedar Grove school officials are preparing for a possible September 15 referendum that would address building needs across the district and create more instructional space. The plan under discussion includes safety and infrastructure work at existing schools, along with a separate proposal to reopen Leonard R. Parks School for grades 3 through 5. District leaders are awaiting state-aid figures before finalizing the package, with officials noting that referendum funding could make the work eligible for substantial state support.

The reopening concept for Leonard R. Parks School would move third, fourth and fifth graders into the building, easing pressure at North End, South End and Memorial Middle School. The work would require major modernization, including updates to mechanical systems, bathrooms, windows, doors, fire alarm systems and air conditioning. A traffic study also recommended adding an access drive on the property to improve arrival and dismissal flow along Pompton Avenue.

North End reading fundraiser

At North End Elementary School, students turned a literacy fundraiser into a schoolwide sprint, logging more than 42,000 minutes of reading over two weeks. The total more than doubled the school's 20,000-minute goal and surpassed last year's mark. The effort, tied to March reading activities, also raised money for the Family & School Association, which supports enrichment programs, assemblies and service projects.

South End health assembly

South End students got a visit from former New Jersey Devils player Colin White and the team mascot as part of a health-and-fitness assembly. The program encouraged students to connect learning, exercise and healthy routines, and included hands-on ball hockey activities. Hockey equipment was donated to the school for use in physical education classes after the presentation.

Student honors

Several students earned recognition beyond their classrooms. Cedar Grove High School senior Adam DeVito received an Essex County Unsung Hero Award, an honor for seniors whose steady service improves their schools and communities. At Memorial Middle School, sixth-grader Mya DerSookias was named a grand prize winner in Pomptonian Food Service's Healthy School Lunch Challenge for a breakfast recipe featuring BBQ chicken in a burrito format.

Robotics team advances

Cedar Grove High School's robotics program is headed to the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis after a strong competition season. One CGHS squad qualified by teaming with an Ohio school to win a regional event in Cleveland, while the program also earned a skills championship at a large Iowa tournament. Seniors Vraj Paghdal, John Mize and Daryl Lacuesta helped lead the championship-qualifying group.

Spring productions

The performing arts calendar was just as active. Memorial Middle School staged "Grease," while Cedar Grove High School presented "School of Rock." Nearly 200 students participated across the two productions, giving families a spring showcase of music, theater and student collaboration.

Class of 2026 leaders

The district also introduced the top academic students in Cedar Grove High School's Class of 2026: valedictorian Krish Patel and salutatorian Sophia Bobrowsky. Patel plans to pursue medicine and has built a record of science, health-care and service involvement, including ambulance squad and hospital volunteer work. Bobrowsky plans to study business administration at Boston University, with interests in sports or entertainment marketing, while continuing a high school record that includes varsity athletics, student leadership and community service.